/

•

FROM THE LIBRARY OF
REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON, D. D.

BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO

THE LIBRARY OF

PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

DMsion SCLd

Scctioi

V

OL

' L MAY 16 1932 *

A BRIEF DISCOURSE^.

193:

LSEW^

TROUBLES BEGUN AT FRANKFORT,

IN THE YEAR 1554,

ABOUT THE

ISoofc of Common draper

Cmmomesu

Reprinted from the J3Iacft=iLetter (Coition of 1575,

WITH AN INTRODUCTION.

LONDON:
JOHN PETHERAM, 71, CHANCERY LANE.

MDCCCXLVI.

LONDON :

GILBERT & RIVINGTON, PRINTER!

st. John's square.

INTRODUCTION

PRESENT EDITION.

In the Preface to the following " Brief Discourse," and in a
subsequent page of the same work, its author has, in a few
words, given us the reasons which induced him at that time
to publish the same to the world. Though a great part of it
might have been arranged a short period before the date which
it bears in the title-page, the materials must have existed in a
tolerably complete form, and certainly bear marks of having
been written at the period to which it refers. Evidently an
actor in the troubles which he describes, the author does not
speak doubtingly ; there is no appeal to memory ; for, though
he could not be a personal witness of what was simultaneously
occurring at Frankfort, Geneva, and elsewhere, those who
furnished him with information were such as he could rely on,
and were deputed probably by him to register events as they
occurred : this portion also bears the same internal marks of
truth. This narrative, remarkable for its character, deeply
interesting from its subject, possesses claims to our notice that
cannot be disputed. Whoever has had occasion to inquire
into the state of the exiles for religion during the Marian per-

a 2

IV INTRODUCTION.

secution must appeal to it ; no other known evidence exists on
the subject ; and though, strange as it may appear, conclu-
sions favourable to the Church of England on the one side,
and the Puritans on the other, are drawn from it, its unde-
niable authority is admitted by all ; and hence, in a convenient
form, appeared the necessity for its republication.

The author, in the preface, refers to a sermon preached at
St. Paul's Cross, in November, 1573, byD. Yonge, and after-
wards to another sermon at the same place, in October, 1573,
by M. Mullins. The former of these was probably Dr. John
Young, Bishop of Rochester ; the latter, whose name appears
in the present work, was an exile during the reign of Mary,
and officiated as Greek Reader at Frankfort. At a subsequent
period, we find him mentioned as Archdeacon of London,
Canon Residentiary of St. Paul's, and Rector of Bocking.
(Strype's Whitgift, i. 245, sub anno 1583.) These sermons
appear never to have been printed ; or, if they were, have
become lost ; which is to be regretted, because they might,
and especially the latter, have given some facts or allusions to
enable us to identify the author of the " Brief Discourse.'"
From the statement in the Preface, it is evident, that for some
especial purpose a detail of the unhappy disturbances which
had occurred at Frankfort, was given by M. Mullins in this
sermon. That it was not entirely favourable to the party of
the author of the " Brief Discourse" is certain, because he
says, " So I in this discours, thought it needefull, least hap-
pelie that honorable audiece might mistake the matter, to set
fourthe by writinge the verie order, maner, and proceadinge
off the same." (Preface, p. 3.)

To adventure upon any thing like an attempt to identify the
author of the work where so little evidence, and that pre-

INTRODUCTION. V

sumptive only, exists, appeared to me useless ; and I should
have published the work without note or comment, had not a
literary friend, who was aware of my difficulties, volunteered
a letter on the subject to Professor M'Crie, of Edinburgh, who,
with promptitude, and in the kindest manner, gave his views
at some length, with full permission to use them. The
evidence which they contain is so much more satisfactory than
any which I had before met with, that I cannot do better than
transcribe them in his own words, with these variations only,
that the references by him given to the edition of 1642 are
adapted to the present edition. After stating that he had met
with no direct evidence as to the authorship of the " Brief
Discourse," Professor M'Crie proceeds to give his reasons for
inferring that the author was William Whittingham, who is so
frequently mentioned in the course of the narrative : —

" Whittingham, you may be aware, was a celebrated
Puritan, who afterwards was made Dean of Durham, and who,
along with Knox, Goodman, and Gilby, &c, translated the
1 Geneva Bible.' He was ordained at Geneva, and though,
through the interest of the Earl of Leicester, his patron,
elevated to the deanery, he was a well-known enemy to the
ceremonies of the Church of England, and died in June, 1579,
while the process of his deprivation on account of his Presby-
terian ordination was in dependence. The evidence on which
I conclude him to have been the author of the ' Troubles' is as
follows : —

" 1. Whittingham was one of the most active of those who
endeavoured to reform the Liturgy at Frankfort. Strype
mentions him and Knox as ' the main instruments of the new
office.' (Life of Grindal 10.) He must therefore have been

a 3

VI INTRODUCTION.

well acquainted with the whole history of ' The Troubles
begonne at Franckford ;' and feeling himself personally inte-
rested, must have naturally been anxious to give a true
account of the affair, in answer to the misrepresentations to
which he adverts in the Preface.

"2. If you look into the first part of the Troubles, you will
easily, I think, perceive, from the frequent introduction of
Whittingham's sayings and doings, that they are recorded by
himself. First, he generally calls himself plain * Whittingham,'
while others are Maister Knox, Maister Goodman, &c. Then,
while he merely gives the substance of what others advised,
we have whole speeches of his own ; one of them beginning
with, ' Then spake Whittingham, and said.' (p. 56.)

" 3. A little before this you will find the author telling us
of private interviews which Whittingham had with Bullinger
and Calvin, and with all that passed, which none could have
reported, or would have thought of reporting, but himself,
(p. 45-6.)

" 4. It appears that Whittingham left Frankfort for Geneva
in the end of 1556 ; and of course he could no longer speak
of what passed afterwards in Frankfort from personal obser-
vation. Here, accordingly, he introduces a long narrative,
entitled ' the History of that Stir and Strife which was in the
English Church at Frankfort from the 15th day of Ian. 1557
forward.' (p. 62.) This history ends at p. 181, when the
author of the ' Brief Discourse ' again takes up the tale, in these
words, ' This controuersie which yow haue now harde from
the 13 of Ianuary hitherto, I finde written by the handes off'
such as are bothe lerned and off* credit, but yet I must nedes
say, by those that were parties in this broyle.' This exactly
agrees with Whittingham's history, who during ' this broyle '

INTRODUCTION. Vll

was in Geneva. The 'hands of credit' from whom he re-
ceived this part of the account, (which forms fully half of the
volume, and is certainly the least interesting part of the whole,)
may have been some of the seniors or deacons whose names
so often appear ; and, perhaps, David Whitehead, the pastor,
who died four years before the publication of the Troubles.
This clearly shows it to have been the production of some one
or other of the ministers who left Frankfort at that period.

"5. To bring it still closer to Whittingham, we know that
he was not only one of the translators of the Bible at
Geneva, but that he translated some of the Psalms into metre.
Some of his translations are included in the version of Stern-
hold and Hopkins, and were signed originally in the Common
Prayer-Book with his initials, W. W. Now, if you consult
p. 192, you will find the author going very much out of his
way to introduce the translation, and also ' the Psalms both
in meeter and prose;' and then, with all the becoming modesty
of one who could say ( quorum magna pars fui,' he adds,
' And with what successe those workes were finished, {espe-
cially the Bible,) I must leaue it to the iudgementes of the
godly lerned, who shulde best iudge ofFthe same.'

" 6. We know the names of all the translators of the Geneva
Bible, and there is none of them to whom we can ascribe the
authorship of the Troubles, without being guilty of anachro-
nism, except Whittingham, Goodman, or Gilby. As to Good-
man, he was by far too vehement a nonconformist to have
written in the smooth and almost subdued style in which this
work is composed. And we cannot conceive of Gilby writing
about 'the humbleness of Gilby and his godly zeal.' (p. 37.)

" 7. Again, we are informed that Whittingham accompanied
the Earl of Warwick in his defence of Newhaven against the

Vlll INTRODUCTION.

French. There he was a preacher for some time ; and, as Wood
observes, though he was ready in his ministerial function, he
dissuaded his hearers against conformity. Compare this with
what the author of the Troubles says, p. 196, ' The Erie
off Warwick at his beinge in Newhauen, had in dede with him
certeine Ministers for a time, but after that the Cannon came
and began to roare, &c. then (I weene) not a Minister there
left but Maister Kethe alone.' Now it is certain that Whit-
tingham was there, and though he may have felt unwilling to
mention his own name, from modesty, or desire of concealing
himself as the author, would any other person, especially a
nonconformist, as the author certainly was, have omitted to
mention him in these circumstances ? He appeals, too, to the
Earl of Warwick (as ' that right noble Erie can vppon his
honor testifie'), as one who had personal evidence of the
fact he stated, evidently in the style of a confidential com-
panion.

" 8. Above all, I place much weight on the style of the
piece. In general, it is written in a style of great calmness,
caution, and restraint, as by one who, though conscientiously
opposed to the ceremonies of the English Church, felt that he
lived in a house of glass, and might suffer for his freedom.
Strype says that he first refused to subscribe the articles, but
afterwards yielded, and was preferred to the deanery. He is
wrong in putting the preferment after the subscription ; for
it appears he was made dean in 1563, and did not subscribe
till 1571. (See Brooks' Puritans, i. 230—234.) But his
subscribing the articles is perfectly consistent with his writing
this book ; many subscribed who opposed the ceremonies ;
and Wood describes Whittingham as a lukewarm conformist,
an enemy to the habits, and a promoter of the Geneva doc-

INTRODUCTION.

trine and discipline. Bancroft in his ' Dangerous Positions,'
speaks of Whittingham as ' afterward unworthily Dean of
Durham,' and ranks him with Goodman, Gilby, and others.
So does Roger L'Estrange in his violent philippic, 'The
Holy Cheat.'

"Then the style of the composition is clearly identical with
other writings of Whittingham. Compare it with his letter at
pp. 47—50 of the Troubles, or with his Preface to Chris-
topher Goodman's rare tract, ' How Superior Powers ought
to be obeyed,' &c, and you cannot fail to perceive the simi-
larity. The same incoherent, jumbled sort of sentences, and
the same ever recurring parentheses, are very striking marks
of identity.

" 9. It serves to confirm my hypothesis, that the author
speaks of having kept these things secret for twenty years
(which carries us back to 1555, when Whittingham was in
the midst of the troubles), that he speaks of great striving
and struggling with himself before resolving no longer to con-
ceal it (p. 197), and that he intimates his intention of con-
tinuing the narrative ' euen to this present tyme.' (p. 194.)
This was never accomplished ; and on the supposition that
Whittingham was the author, may be easily explained. Soon
after the publication of the Troubles in 1575, he was brought
into troubles himself, and he died a few years after, viz. in
June, 1579."

We may add here, also, that, in the rebellion in the North
in 1569, headed by the Earls of Northumberland and West-
morland, Whittingham did the state essential services, and to
this he apparently refers at p. 19G. " And thus it is euidente,
that theis [Kethe, Temes and Standon] with a nomber moo

X INTRODUCTION.

who are now so ill thought off, as iff they were traitors and re-
bells, haue yet byn so farre off from beinge sedicious, that
they haue at all times aduentured their liues againste seditious
persons and rebells, when as suche as nowe so hardly charge
them bothe by worde and writinge, haue byn right hartely well
content to take their ease and reste at home."

Though Dean of Durham, it is certain that the Puritans
reckoned upon Whittingham's services. We find in that
scarce volume, A Parte of a Register, p. 12, "A Godly and
zealous letter written by Mai. A. G. [Anthony Gilby] 1570,"
to Coverdale, Turner, Whittingltam, Sampson, Leaver, Crow-
ley, and others, " that labour to roote out the weedes of
Poperie" in which he nothing doubts of their zeal and dili-
gence " against the Romishe reliques and ragges of Anti-
christe," or of their labour " to race out all the dregges and
remnants of transformed Poperie, that are crept into Englande,
by the too much lenitie of them that wilbe accounted the
Lords of the Cleargie," the whole letter being written much
in the same strain.

The narrative of the proceedings relative to the expulsion
of Knox from Frankfort, appears to be less fully detailed
[see pages 44, 45,] than we might expect. This deficiency is
supplied in a great measure by Knox himself, who, upon his
return to Geneva, committed to writing an account of the
reasons of his retiring from Frankfort, and which he intended
to have published in his vindication : but upon mature de-
liberation, he resolved to suppress it, and leave his own cha-
racter to suffer, rather than expose his brethren and the com-
mon cause in which they were engaged. Dr. M'Crie, with
the same motive, has also omitted it in his Life of Knox
(p. 119); but as the MS. of Calderwood, in which it is pre-

INTRODUCTION. xi

served, has been recently given to the world, in justice to the
character of Knox and his friends, it is here supplied from
the recent edition of Calderwood's History, edited, for the
Wodrow Society, from the original in the British Museum, by
the Rev. T. Thomson. This narrative should follow the ter-
mination of the first paragraph, at page 45.

" The dayes following," says Knox, " the sermoun was
delayed by commandement of the magistrats, and Dr. Coxe,
Mr. Lever, Mr. Whittinghame, and I, were appointed to con-
sult of some godlie order, which we did, by the space of two
dayes in the hous of Valeranus Polanus, in the which reasoun-
ing, what sobernesse was found in me, I referre to these notes
which Mr. Valeran did tak in writt of our argument. But the
thrid day, when the order of matins, to beginne alwayes with,
' Domine labia,' ' Deus in adjutoriuml et ' Deum laudamus,'
and other prescript words, not read in the Scripture, were
called an order borrowed of the Papists, and Papisticall ; then
begunne the tragedie, and our consultatioun ended. Who was
most blame-worthie, God sail judge ; and if I spake ferventlie,
to God was I fervent. During the time of these our con-
troverseis, one Mr. Isaac of Kent cometh to my hous, to
move me to relent frome my earnestnesse against the booke,
and promiseth me favour ; if not, he threatneth somewhat to
follow. My answere was, that I would wishe my name to
perishe, so that God's booke and his glorie might onlie be
sought amongst us. But afterward, this same Mr. Isaac, by
the counsell of some preests, who seemed to be sore offended
with my sermoun, devised how to have me cast in prisoun ;
and he reported, he knew weill I sould not escape. So,
seeking to their old shott-ankcr, they cryed out against me,

Xll INTRODUCTION.

' Non est amicus Ccesaris,' he is not Caesar's freind ; the
which dart the devill doth ever shoot, by the craft of the
preests, against the true preachers. For when neither doc-
trine nor life can be reproved in Christ and his sancts, yitt
this serves at all assayes ; though they love not the emperour,
no more than did the old Pharisees, for hatred of their brethrein
they can find suche cautels [stratagems]. O Lord God, open
their hearts, that they may see their wickednesse, and forgive
them for thy manifold merceis ; and I forgive them, O Lord,
frome the bottome of my heart. But that thy message sent
by my mouth sould not be slaundered, I am compelled to de-
clare the caus of my departing, and so to utter their folleis, to
their amendement I trust, and the exemple of others who, in
the same banishement, can have so cruell hearts to persecute
their brethrein. To be short, the said Mr. Isaack, and one
Parrey, late Chanceller of Salisburie, by the counsell of Dr.
Coxe, Dr. Bale, Turner of Wynsore, Jewell of Oxfoord, and
others, accused me before the magistrats, in nyne articles, of
high treasoun against the emperour, his sonne Philip, King of
Spaine, and the Queene of England. My words are these
that follow, in a booke named the ' Admonition of Christians,
concerning the present Troubles of England.' First, speaking
against idolaters, and how they ought by the expresse com-
mand of God to be putt to death, and yitt reserved by God's
providence, I said:

1. "If Marie and her counsellers had beene sent to hell
before these dayes, her crueltie sould not have so manifestlie
appeared to the world."

2. " Jesabell never erected halfe so manie gallowes in all
Israel, as mischeevous Marie hath done within London alone."

3. " Would anie of you have confessed, two yeeres ago,

INTRODUCTION. Xlli

that Marie your mirrour had beene false, dissembling, uncon-
stant, proud, and a breaker of promise, except suche promises
as she made to your god the Pope, to the great shame and
dishonour of her noble father ?"

4. " The love of her native countrie could not move that
wicked woman's heart to pitie."

5. " She declareth herself an open trateresse to the realme
of England, contrarie to the just lawes of the same, to bring
in a stranger, and mak a proud Spaniard king, to the destruc-
tion of the nobilitie and subversioun of the realme."

6. "If God had suffered her (for our scourge) and her
cruell counsell to come to authoritie," &c.

7. " Under an English name she hath a Spaniard's heart."

8. " Muche trouble in England for the establishing of this
wicked woman's authoritie, I meane, of her that now raigneth
in God's wrath," &c.

9. " Mariage ought not to be contracted with those that are
mainteaners of idolatrie, suche as the emperour, who is no
lesse enemie to Christ than was Nero." (Calderwood's
History, i. 300 — 302.)

A few words only will be necessary in reference to the
present reprint. Three editions of the work are known : the
first in 4to, 1575 : the second in 4to, 1642, printed at that
time, according to Strype (Annals II. i. 483, 8vo ed.), "as
tending to favour the courses that were at that time in hand,
to throw off the Common Prayer-Book, and to blacken, as
much as they could, the church and churchmen ;" although
one-half of what Strype asserts to be added in the preface
to this edition, exists in that of 1575. The third edition will
be found in the Phoenix, 2 vols. 8vo, 1707-8.

xiv INTRODUCTION.

The edition of 1575, from which the present is taken, is in
a foreign black letter, and not unlikely to have been printed
at Geneva. The text has been faithfully followed, typo-
graphical errors only excepted, which there appeared no reason
for retaining : the orthography and punctuation also, are, with
rare exceptions, left as they were found. It was originally
my intention to have given a list of the whole of the corrections
made, but their frequency precluded it. After page 105 verso,
in the original, there is an error in paging, the next page being
110: this was probably a cancel (sheet O iii and iv being
wanting), though the work as we have it is undoubtedly per-
fect. This hiatus will also be found in the reprint, because,
as it is printed paginatim with the original, it will be found
more convenient for reference. To have edited the work
would require more knowledge than I possess, and, did I
possess that, more time than I could devote to the subject.
The reader, I hope, will accept what is done with candour
and kindness. J. P.

London, Oct. 14, 1845.

a Brteff titfcour0

off the troubles begonne at Franck-
ford in Germany Anno Domini 1554. Abowte

the Booke off common prayer and Ceremonies, and conti-
nued by the Englishe men theyre, to thende off Q. Maries
Raigne, in the which discours, the gentle reader shall see
the very originall and heginninge off all the
contention that hathe byn, and what was
the cause off the same.

Marc. 4.

For there is nothinge hid that shall not be opened nei-
ther is there a secreat but that it shall come to light, yff
anie man haue eares to heare, let him heare.

M. D. LXXV.

THE PREFACE.

To the Christian readers, grace, mercy, and peace
in Christe Iesu our Lorde.

Suche as doowell obserue the varietie of menes Iudge-
mentes abowte these matters off cotrouersie, and the
supposed causes of the same, shall finde it a thinge
more the woderfull to beholcle, and passinge strange to
heare. But who so shall well waye and c5sider, what
extreame calamities and miseries this broile hathe
brought with it to manie godlie persons whiche vn-
fainedly feare god : the same muste off force, as I think
(iff he haue but one drop off humanitie within him)
drawe forthe deepe and sorowfull sighes from the harte,
and teares from the eyes. To passe ouer sundrie I will
note but this one. where as in tymes paste (bothe at
Paules crosse and other places) the soundes whiche
were wont to be so sweete as might iustely haue moued
the godly hearers to crye owte with the Prophet Esay
() howe beutifull are the feete off them which bring
glad tydinges off peace, &c. are nowe become (com-
monly so soure and vnsauery, that in steede off sweet-
nes, is founde litle or nothinge but wormewood and

II.

bitter gall. And yet I speak not off suche, whose cruell
scoffinge, and vnbridled natures, are to well knowen
so farr to exceede, as fewe, (discreete and wise in dede)
can be muche moued with anie thinge almoste they
eyther speak or write : but euen off those I meane,
whose wisedomes grauitie, and lerninge, as the same
claimeth by good right, dew reuerence to the persons,
bycause off those good giftes whiche God hath be-
stowed vpon them so shuld it also put them in minde
(especially in such places) to vse (me semes) some
other veine. And for so muche as some impute the
cause off all these troubles to the ambitious heades off
By D. certeine speciall persons, who shoulde (as hathe bene

Yonge in

Noutber. at paules crosse bothe publiekly and very furiously

Anno, x

l573, declared) stirr vpp this striffe in the churche for that
they could not attaine to Bishopprikes when as other
enioyed them : Some also imputinge it to the strange
churches aswell beionde the seas as here amonge vs
remayninge, therby to prouoke the displeasures of the
Magistrates against them :

Such as D. And some supposinge, (yea roaringe owte) that this
hath happened by such fantasticall heades as ca abyde
no platforme but off their owne deuisinge : I haue for
theis and suche like considerations, thought good by a
shorte and brieff discours to let your se the verye
originall and beginninge off all this miserable conten-

Elbo-

III.

tion, leauinge neuertheles to your discreet iudgmentes,
who (in theis matters) are to be thought innocente,
and who most to blame.

And as one bothe off credit, learned, and off autho- M. Mui-

lins in

ritie, thought it not onely meete and expedient openly October
at paules crosse (in presence off the honorable and
worshipfull there) to signifie vnto them that such a
hotte contention (abowte theis matters had bin, but
also, noted the place where and the time whan : So I in Franck/ord

the place,

this discours, thought it needefull, least happelie that *»&
honorable audiece might mistake the matter) to set tyrm'
fourthe by writinge the verie order, maner, and pro- puaina,
ceadinge off the same: followinge herein the steppes afflotrin.
such, whom god off his goodnes hath raised vp at all Fox with

llHlr)!/

tymes and amonge all nations, to commit thinges to ot,/e>'-
memorye, whiche hath passed in commonweales, who
haue with great fredom and libertie byn suffred to
make manifest to the whole worlde the ill dealinges
euen off Popes, Cardinalls, Emperours, Kinges and
Princes, where as (in this discours) the highest that I
touche (and that with great grieff off hart) are (to my
knowledge) but certeine Bishopps, and therfore I hope
the more to be borne withall, besechinge allmightie god
that as by theis my poore simple trauailes, my mean-
inge was not (either in contempt or sekinge reuenge)
to prouoke the farther displeasures off the meanest:

mi.

that so iff it be his blessed will, the same maie finde
fauor in the eies off oure soueragine L. the queenes
most excellet maiestie, and the right honorable, whom
it hathe pleased him to place in high authoritie, for
whose prosperitie and welfare it becommeth all true
and faithfull subiects (as they are dutifully bounde)
moste earnestly to praie.

THE HISTORIE.

After that yt had pleased the lorde God to take awaie for
our synnes that noble prince off famous memorie, kinge
Edwarde the sixthe, and had placed, Queene Marie in his
roume : Sundrie godly men aswell strangers, as off the
English nation, fledd, for the libertie off their consciences,
ouer the seas, some into France, some into Flanders, and
some into the high countries off the Empire, and in the
yere of oure lorde. 1554. and the 27. off Iune came Ed-
monde Sutton, William Williams, William Whittingham, and
Thomas wood, with their companies, to the citie off Franck-
ford in Germany the firste Englishe men, that there arriued
to remaine and abide. The same night came one Maister
Valaren pullan Minister, vnto their lodginge, ad declared
howe he had obtained a churche there, in the name of
all suche as shuld come owte off Englande for the Gospell,
but Especially from Glassenbury whiche were all french
men. Answere was made him, that as god was to be praised,
who had moued the Magistrats hartes to shewe the frenche
suche fauour : Euenso, for so muche as fewe off them vnder-
stoode the frenche tonge, it woulde be small commoditie to
them, or to suche as shulde come afterwarde to ioyne them-
selues to that churche.

The nexte daye they communed with Maister Morellio
another Minister of the frenche churche, and also with maister
Castalio a Senior off the same, (bothe off them godly and lerned
me) By their aduise and counsaile it was determined, that
a Supplication shulde be drawe owt, and offred to the Ma-
gistrats, to knowe, firste whither they woulde be contented,
that not onely the parties before named, but also all other En-
glishe men that woulde repaire thither for the like cause, might
through their fauour be suffred saffely to remaine within

VI.

their city. This supplication was subscribed aswell by the
sayed Sutton, whittingam, and the reste off the Englishe
men, as also by Morellio, Castallio, and one Adrian a
Citteze there, with whom they lodged. And within three
daies after the offringe vp off their Supplication, they obtained
their requestes.

The 8. off Iuly followinge, labor was made (by the coun-
saile and aduice off Morellio and Castalio (who duringe their
lyues shewed them selues fathers to all Englishe men) to
Maister Iohn Glawberge one off the chiefest Senators, for
a place or churche, wherin they and all their country men
might haue gods worde truly preached, and the Sacraments
sincerely ministred in their naturall tonge, who ientlie pro-
mised his furtherance, and that he also woulde move the whole
Senate theroff, the whiche he did accordingly. And the 14.
daie off the same monethe yt was graunted that they shulde
haue libertie to preache and minister the Sacraments, in that
churche which the freche men had, the freche one daie and the
Englishe an other daie and vp5 the Sundaie, to chuse also the
homes as they coulde agree amonge them selues, but yt was
with this commandement, that the Englishe shulde not di-
scent from the french men in doctrine, or ceremonyes, least
they shulde thereby minister occasion off offence, and willed
farther, that before they entred their churche, they shulde
approue and subscribe the same confession off faith, that the
frenche men had then presented, and abowte to put in printe,
to the whiche all the afore named (and others whiche were
by this time come thither) did subscribe.

When the churche was in this sorte graunted, they con-
sulted amonge themselues, what order off seruice they shulde
vse (for they were not so strictly bownde, as was tolde them,
to the ceremonies off the frenche, by the Magistrats, but that
iff the one allowed off the other it was sufficient.) At lenght,
the englishe order was perused, and this by generall consente
was concluded that the answeringe alowde after the Minister
shulde not be vsed, the letanye, surplice, and many other
thinges also omitted, for that in those reformed churches, suche

VII.

thinges woulde seeme more then strange. It was farther
agreed vppon, that the Minister (in place off the Englishe
Confession shulde vse an other, bothe off more effecte, and
also framed accordinge to the state and time. And the same
ended, the people to singe a psalme in meetre in a plaine tune
as was, and is accustomed in the frenche, dutche, Italian,
Spanishe, and Skottishe churches, that don, the minister to
praye for thessistance off gods holie spirite and so to proceade
to the sermon. After the sermon, a generall praier for all
estates and for oure countrie of Englande was also deuised, at
thende off whiche praier, was ioined the lords praier and a
rehersall of tharticles off oure belief!, whiche ended the people
to singe and other psalme as afore. Then the minister pro-
nouncinge this blessinge. The peace off god, &c. or some other
off like effecte, the people to departe.

And as touchinge the ministration off the Sacraments
sundrie things were also by common consente omitted, as
superstitious and superfluous. After that the congregation
had thus concluded and agreed, and had chosen their minister
and Deacons to serue for a time : they entred their churche the
29 off the same monethe. Then was it thought good amonge
themselues, that forthwith they shulde aduertise their countrie
men and betheren dispersed off this singuler benefit, the like
wheroff coulde no where else as yet be obtained, and to per-
swade them (all worldly respectes put aparte) to repaier
thither, that they might altogether with one mouthe and one
harte bothe lamete their foremer wickednes and also be thank-
full to their mercifull father that had geuen them suche a
churche in a strange lande wherein they might heare gods worde
truly preached, the Sacraments rightly ministred, and Disci-
pline vsed, which in their owne countrie coulde neuer be
obtained. And to this effecte were letters directed to Straus-
burgh, Zurick, Densbrugh, and Emden in the 2. off Auguste.
And for that it was thought the churche could not longe
contynewe in good order withowte discipline, there was also
a brieff forme deuised, declaringe the neccssitie, the causes,

b 2

VIII.

and the order theroff, wherunto all those that were present
subscribed, shewinge therby that they were ready and wil-
linge to submitt themselues to the same, accordinge to the rule
prescribed in gods holie word, at whiche time it was deter-
mined by the congregation that all suche as shulde come after,
shulde doo the like, before they were admitted as members
off that churche.

Here followethe the generall letter sente from the con-
gregation off Franckforde, to Strausbourge,
Zurick, Wezeil, Emden, &c.

Grace mercy and peace in Christ our
Lord : 8$c.

We dowte not (dearely beloued) but yow haue harde, as-
well by letter, as by reporte, off the excellent graces and
mercy whiche oure good god and heauenly father hathe shewed
vnto oure litle congregation in this citie of Franckford, for
that he hathe not onely made the Magistrats and commons
very fauorable towards vs and louinge, but also, hathe
geuen them hartes, with muche compassion to tender vs, in
so muche that euerie man helpethe vs, no man is againste
vs, muche loue, no grudge, glad to please, lothe to annoie
vs, yea, and to declare thfs good will not to be off the meane
sorte, nor so small as oure brethern haue felte otherwere,
they haue graunted that thinge, whiche amonge others and
in other cities, we coulde not obtaine nor durste allmoste
hope for. For what greater treasure or sweeter comforte
can a Christian man desier, then to haue a churche wherin
he maie serue god in puritie off faithe, and integritie off lyfe,
whiche thinge yff we wishe for, let vs not refuse it, seinge
where we woulde, we coulde not there obtaine it. And here
yet it is graunted in so ample wise, that beinge subiecte to no
blemishe, no, nor so muche as the euell off suspition (fro the
whiche fewe churches are free) we maie preache, minister,
and vse Discipline, to the true settinge forthe off gods glorie

IX.

and good ensample to others. And for our partes, we haue
not bene negligente as touchinge the execution off the sayed
benefit graunted. For the 19. of Iuly, we had (god be thanked)
2. sermons to oure singuler comforte, and great ioye off all
godly men heere. Wherfore brethern, seinge your haue in-
dured the paine off persecution with vs, we thought it likewise
oure dewties to make your partakers off oure consolation,
that altogether we maie geue thanks to oure louinge father,
who is more tender ouer vs, then the mother ouer hir childe, Cor. 18.
nether suffreth vs to be temped aboue that we maie beare,
but euen to the issue off the tentation, geuethe prosperous
successe, trustinge by gods grace, that he whiche hathe geuen
yow that gifte, not onely to beleue in Christe, but also to suffer
for his sake : will so directe your hartes, that no respecte off"
commoditie there, nor yet feare of burthen here maie once
moue yow to shrink from your vocatid, whiche is, in one faithe,
one ministration, one tonge and one consente, to serue god in
his churche.

What more manifeste signe, what plainer declaration, what
worde more expresse and lyuely can we haue off dewtie and
vocation, then when god speakethe in oure hartes by faithe,
guidethe vs owte off perills throughe his grace, and nowe
laste of all offrethe vs a restinge place of his exceading mercy.
Yow remeber that before, we haue reasoned together in hope
to obtaine a churche, and shall we nowe drawe backe as
vnmindfull off gods prouidence, whiche hathe procured vs
one free from all dreggs off superstitious ceremonies ?

What, thinke yow, yf the Prophet Dauid had had this offre psa( 42.
who desired to be porter in the house of God, and more esteemed
one daie so spente, then a thousande otherwaies.

Either what mente he when he saied : one requeste I de- p^ 27,
maunde off the Lorde, Whiche I will seeke after, that is, that
I maie dwell in the howse off the lorde all the daies off my
lyfe. Had Dauid no experience ? or felte he not what grieff
yt was to wante the congregation? And surely we muste
graunt that he was farre more perfect then we be : For he
beinge conuersant in this worlde, sett his delight wholie in

b 3

heauenly things. And many off vs, (we speake it to our
shame) as if we had already forgotte the ende of our crea-
tion, are plunged in earthlye affectios, and worldly respectes,
so that throughe oure infirmities, this excellente benefit is
like to be frustrate. For, some dowte who shal be preferred :
others seeke increase off lerninge : Many followe the com-
moditie off lyuinge : certein, looke for a newe vocation, so that
it is a wonder to se the deformitie off mans affections. God
Matih. 22. grante, we maye lerne at their ensamples whiche beinge called
to the mariage came not, what it is to esteeme in time the
worthenes off gods benefits, leaste, by the losse off the same
we after fall vnto vnprofitable repentance, seekinge againe
oure losse withe teares as the reprobate Esau and yet neuer
Mick. 3. the neere. We charge no one man (brethren) nor yet meane
Heb. 12. a|^ an(j on wliat considerations theis excuses were pretended,
we suspende oure Iudgmentes, referringe the same to our im-
perfection and infirmitie, wherby the aduersary ceasethe not
to batter dailie the walles off Gods temple.

As touchinge the pointe off prefermente, we are perswaded
throughly that it hathe this meaninge, that euery ma thought
of himself modestlie, humblie submittinge himself to all me
vnablinge no man, for so muche as yow knowe that he whiche
seketh ambition, glory, aduantage or suche like, is not moued
withe gods spirite as witnesse the instructions that Christe
our Maister gaue to his disciples, who laboring of like dis-
ease were admonished that he whiche did excell amonge the,
shoulde abase himself to his inferior : whiche malady S. Paul
perceauinge to infecte like a canker, moste diligently framethe
his style, that he might not seeme to preferr hi selffe to others
Philip. 1. in the course of his ministery. And as for lernige, as we wishe
CoL l- to all men moste abudantly : so we moste ernestly require, that
coparinge the congregations necessitie with your owne priuate
c5moditie, your woulde rather for Christs sake chose the bet-
ter : yea, and we assure your one good aduertisemente, that
thorowe, gods grace, when we shalbe assebled together, suche
order wilbe taken, that, besides those thinges whiche oure natio

XL

shalbe able to furnishe, we haue the citie moste forwarde to
procure others, Yff anye woulde pretende the hardnes off the
countrie and charges, oure experience rnaie sufficiently satis-
fie them, who hauinge travelled throwgh moste places, where
the gospell is preached, haue not founde so manie commo-
dites nor lesse charges.

Restethe the tyme off callinge, whiche we referre to your
consciences, besechinge your for Christes sake to descende
into your selues withowt all parcialitie, wayinge the grauitie off
the matter whiche is goddes, and the selie excuse whiche the
fleshe ministrethe. Consider what god woulde saie, I haue
prepared a plentifull and ripe harueste whiche standethe in a
redines and waitethe for the mower and I haue appointed thee
thy taxe. I haue geuen instrumentes, and all things fit for
the labor, yff thow forslowe it, the croppe is in daunger : yff
thow loke for oft warning thow declarest great negligence.

This speache (Dearly beloved) or very like, god vsed to
Noah, Abraham, Ieremiah, &c. and they thought their voca-
tion stronge. But yow through Goddes benefit, do not onely
heare god thus perswadinge in your hartes, but also haue
bene by externe callinge confirmed, and accordinge therunto
haue walked to the great glorie off God and profit off the
cogregation. We truste therfore (brethern) and in Iesus
Christe require it, that your woulde hyde your talent no longer
but hauinge newe occasion to imploye it, your woulde put it
forthe for your Maister his aduantage and your owne discharge.
For iff your feele in your hartes comforte as wee doo whiche
are here assembled to heare the worde of god preached and
the Sacraments ministred, we assure yow, yow should sen-
sible perceaue that which the Prophet speakethe in theis
termes ; as the harte chased pantethe for gredines off waters :
euen so, (o lorde) my soule seekethe after thee. My soule Psal> -r.
burnethe for thirste in seekinge the Lorde and saithe : Alas
when shall I be able to appeere before the face off the lyuinge
god ? what thinge then ought we to haue in greater recommen-
dation, then the order and policie whiche god hathe established

b 4

XII.

in his church e ? that we maie be taught by his worde, that
we maie worshippe him and call vpon his name with one ac-
corde, that we maie haue the true vse off his Sacraments to
helpe vs to the same ? For theis be the means wherby we
muste be confirmed in the faithe, in the feare off God, in holy-
nes off conuersation, in the contempte of the worlde, and in
the loue off life euerlastinge. And for this consideration
Ephes. 4. S. Paule saithe not that this order whiche the Lorde hathe set
in his churche shulde onely be for the rude and symple, but
makethe it common to all, exceptinge no man. For he hathe
ordeined (saithe he) some to be Apostles, some prophetes,
some Euangelistes, others, to be teachers and instructors, to
confirme the godly and to labor to finishe the buildinge off
Christes body till we be all brought to one consente in faithe
to the knowledge off the sonne off god, to a perfect man, and
finally, to the iuste measure off a ripe Christian age. Let vs
all marke, that he saithe not, that god hathe left the scriptures
onely, that euery one shulde reade it, but also, that he hathe
erected a policie and order, that their shulde be some to teache,
and not for one daye, but all the time off our lyffe euen to
the deathe for that is the tyme off our perfection. Wherfore
brethren, let vs submit our selues, and leaue off farther to
tempte God, seinge, that yff we wilbe off the body off Christ,
we must obeie to this generall rule. Let no respecte off
worldly policie staie vs. Let no perswasion blinde vs. But
let vs fulfyll in oure selues that whiche Esaias forwarnethe that
goddes children shalbe as pigions, whiche flee by flocks in to
their douehouse, whiche is the place where the worde of god
is preached, the sacraments ministred, and praier vsed.

To conclude therfore (dearely beloued) let euery man call
his conscience to counsaile, and besides these sweete allure-
ments, let vs learne to preuent our aduersaries, who sekinge
euer to obscure goddes glorie, maye easelie cauell at this dissi-
pation. And woulde to god the slaunder were not allready to
our great grieff in sundry places scattered in so muche, that in
Englande, manie take occasion to remaine in their filthe.

XIII.

And some thinke they maye dissemble, vntill a churche be
confirmed, perceauinge that this our scatteringe, augmentethe
the griefe of persecution, and so throughe our negligece we leese
them for whom Christe died. Consider brethren, it is gods
cause, he requirethe yow, it is your dewtie, necessitie vrgethe,
time willethe, your father speakethe, children muste obeie, oure
enemies are diligente and the aduersary is at hande.

Almightie god graunt for his sonnes sake that we maie
rightly ponder the matter, followe oure callinge, serue the
tarne, heare the speaker, walke in obedience and resist oure
enemies. We desier yow all take this in good parte, seinge we
haue written nothinge but what charitie did indite and that
whiehe we truste, and wishe yow woulde haue don to vs in
case like. From Franckford this 2. off August. 1554.

Your louynge brethern.

Iohn Stanton. WjJMm^Wttlmms. William Hammon.

lohn Makebray William Wittinc/liam Thomas Wood.

Mighell Gill.

Shortlye after, the lerned men off Strausbrough answered
to this generall letter before mentioned in this sorte : That
they had considered the contentes theroff and perceiued
that the effecte was no other but to haue one or two take the
chieff charge and gouernaunce off the congregation. And that
in case they might get D. poinet. Maister Scory. D. Bale or
D. Cox, or two off them, they shulde be well furnished, yff
not, they woulde appointe one at Strausbrough and an other
shuld come from Zurick to serue the turne at whiche tyme
master Grindall wrote to master Scory at Emden perswadinge
him to be Superintendent off this churche off Frankf. who
(in 2. seuerall letters to his priuate frinds, offred his seruise
to the congregation, but before the receipte theroff the con-
gregation had writte their letters to maister Knox at Geneua
to master Haddon at Strausb. and master Leuer at Zurick,
whom they had elected for their ministers and aduertised
master Scory by a generall letter off the same.

b 5

XIIII.

Nowe, when the answere that came from Strausbrough
was read, and compared withe the letter written vnto them,
it did not in anie pointe answere it. For the congregation
wrote not particulerly for anie certeine nomber, but generally
wishinge all mens presence, nether did they require to haue
anye superintendent to take the chieff charge and gouerne-
ment, for the choise and election theroff (yff suche a one had
bene necessary) ought to haue byn reserued to the congre-
gation, whiche fully determined at that tyme to haue the
churche gouerned by 2. or 3. graue, godly and lerned Minis-
ters off like authoritie, as is accustomed in the beste reformed
churches.

The 21. off October the Students off Zurick

wrote also an answere to the generall letters

afore saied in this wise.

The grace and peace off God the Father and off our Lorde
lesus Christe be with your all Amen.

As God by his singuler prouidence hathe wonderfully blessed
vs aswell in mouinge the hartes off the Senators and minis-
ters here, to lament oure state, fauor and aid vs in oure
requests : as also in geuinge happie successe for all kinde off
prouision to oure vse and behoufe. So he well knowethe,
that we no other wise esteeme the same then maie stande withe
his glory, oure professio, and the comforte off his afflicted
churche, but dailie labor in the knowledge off his worde to
thintent that when god oure mercifull father shall so think
good, we maie be bothe faithfull and skilfull dispensers
theroff.

And as runninge in the sweete race off oure vocation, ye
haue ernestly written vnto vs for to repaier thyther, burthen-
inge vs so sore with your necessitie, that ye think our shrink-
ing back in this behalff shulde argue want off charitie, keepe
manie in Englande still whiche else would willingly come
foorth, and shewe oure selues careles off that consrcsation

whose edefyinge and winninge to Christe we onely pretend to
seeke. These are great causes, but touchinge vs nether so
truly obiected, so firmely grounded, nor yet so aptlie applied,
but that as sounde reasons on our partes might fully answere
the same. Yet notwithstanding, in as muche as yow appeale to
our consciences whiche in the daie off the Lorde shall accuse
or excuse vs in this thinge and all other, we will not vtterlie
deny your requests, but shewe oure selues as ready to seeke
gods glorie and the increase off his kingdome other there or
elsewhere to the vttermoste off oure powers, as euer we did
pretende to do, requiringe yow all in the name and feare off'
god, that as we, all respects set aporte and vnfainedly trauel-
inge in the necessary knowledge off Christe to the profit off'
his churche here after, refuse not for your nedie comforte to
accomplishe your desyres : So ye will not interrupte oure
studies, vrge oure remouinge, and bringe vs thither, feelinge
here allreadie the exceadinge goodnesse off god towardes vs,
vnlesse ye thinke, and that before god, that oure absence on
thone parte shulde greatly hinder, and oure presence one the
other side verie muche further your godly attemps alreadye
begonne for the furnishinge off that churche so happely ob-
tained to all oure comfortes, for the whiche in oure dailie
prayers we geue god moste hartie and humble thankes. Yff'
by this doinge ye geue occasion to breake oure godlie feloshippe,
to hurte our studies, to dissolue oure exercises, and vtterly
to euerte our godly purposes, ye haue to answere euen vnto
him whiche is a faithfull and a iuste Iudge, and will geue
to euerie man accordinge to his dedes. Wherfore, deare
brethern, in consideration that we be all not onely off one
nation, but also members off one misticall body in Iesus
Christe our head, and ought therfore especially in this time off
exile and moste worthely descrued crosse by all means pos-
sible, one to aide and comforte an other, besechinge god for
his mercies sake to asswage his wrathe, to geue vs repentinge
hartes and patient continuance to our brethern at home with
pity to beholde his vineiarde there miserablie spoiled and

b 6

XVI.

trodden vnder foote, and to call vs home after his fatherly
chastisemente eftsones frutefnlly to worke in the same : we
briefly make this answere. Yff vppon the receipte here off,
ye shall withowte cloke or forged pretence, But onely to seke
Christe aduertise vs by your letters, that our beinge there is so
needfull as ye haue alreadie signified, and that we maie alto-
gether seme and praise god as freely and as vprightly, (wheroff
pryuate letters receiued lately from Franckf. make vs muche
to dowte) as the order laste taken in the churche of England
permittethe and perscribethe (for we are fully determined to
admitt and vse no other) then, abowt easter nexte (for afore
we cannot) god prosperinge vs, and no iuste cause or occasion
to the contrary growinge in the meane time wherby our intente
maie be defeated with one consente we agree to ioine oure
selues vnto yow and moste willinglie to doo suche seruise
there, as oure poore condition and callinge dothe permit. In
the meane space, we shall moste intirely beseche almightie
God so to assiste yow withe his holy spirit, that your doings
maie helpe to confounde papistrie, set forthe gods glorie, and
shewe suche light in the face off the worlde, that bothe the
wicked maie be ashamed, hauinge no iuste cause off reproche,
and also oure weake brethern confirmed and woone to the
truthe. From Zurick this 13. off October. 1554.

Your louing frinds.

Robart Home. Iohn Mulling s. Iohn Parkhuste

Richard Chambers. Thomas Spencer. Roger Kelbe.

Thomas Leuer. Thomas Bentham. Robart Beamont.

A iclwlas Karuile. William Cole. Laurence Humphry,

Henry Cockrafft.
Iohn Pretio.

Abowte this tyme Letters were receyued from maister
Haddon Wherin he desired for diuers considerations to be
excused, for comminge to take the charge vppon him ?{
Franckford.

XVII.

The 24. off October came maister Whithead to Franck-
ford, and at the requeste off tke congregation, he tooke
the charge for a time, and preached vppon the Epistle to
the Romains.

Abowte the 4. off Nouember came Maister Chambres
to Franckford with letters from Zurick whiche were partlie
an answere to an other letter written vnto them from
Franckforde the 26. off September, whiche was as fol-

lowithe.

Grace mercy and peace, fyc.

After, longe hope off your answere to our letter, we thought
it good to put you once againe in remembraunc. And as we
in our former, so nowe in theis also in gods behalff moste
ernestly require yow deeplie to waie this matter off gods
callinge, and the necessitie off this congregation. We haue
throughly lerned your estate and also made yow priuie to
oures, and eftsonnes, wishe we might be together to bewaile
our synnes paste, to praie together for oure poore brethem
that are vnder Antechristes captiuitie, to comforte, instructe,
and profit one an other. And finally to bestowe the time off
oure persecution together and redeeme theis daies whiche
are so euell. And iff anye desier off knowledge staye yow,
certenly, it woulde not be so litle increased here that yow shulde
iustly repent. For as touchinge the companie off lerned men
(as yow cannot here be withowte) so, that thinge whiche
chiefly your can require of lerned mens Iudgmets and know-
ledge owte off their workes, your maie suck moste plentifully
wherof with vs yow can lake no store We nede not, brethern,
to make loge discouse in reasoninge, for we partlie knowe
that gods spirit, whiche workethe in your hartes shall preuaile
withe yow more, the disputinge, not dowtlge, but the same
holie spirit knocketh at the dore off your cdscieces not only to
raoue yow of oure behalffs, but to admonishe yow, to auoide the
incoueniences of talkes, and the offences of oure poore brethern

XVIII.

of Englande, whose marueilinge cannot otherwise be satis-
fied. Remember therfore (dearly beloued) that we wryte as
bretheren, to oure deare brethern, who altogether seeke oure
fathers honor, oure owne discharge and the comforte off oure
afflicted countrie men.

The same sweete father graunt for his Christs sake that
we maie assemble together, to the buildinge off this his Temple,
to let the false workemen, and vnderminers, and diligently in
our vocation to helpe to the furnishinge off the same till it
rise to perfection. Fare ye well in Christe. From Franckford
this 16. off Septemb. 1554.

Your louinge frinds : as in the
letter afore so vnder this
subscribed.

The answere to them off Franckford was, as

foloweth.

We beinge placed here in quietnes, with many and great
commodities for oure studies tendinge all to edification off
Christes churche, haue, vnto the earneste requests off your
letters vnto vs, answered in our letters vnto yow, that to
discharge all dewtie in conscience, and to increase and in-
structe your congregation at Franckford withe oure presence
and diligence will not deny to remoue from hence vnto yow,
so that yow charged off conscience do constantly affirme,
that ye haue so great neede off vs as by letters was signified,
and certeinly assure vs that we with yow maie and shall vse
the same order off seruice concerninge religion which e was
in Englande laste set forthe by kinge Edward. And nowe
also for the better vnderstading off suche requests and charit-
able performance off dewtie, vpon bothe partes desired and
procured Maister Richard Chambers our beste frinde, a man
moste charitable and carefull for the Christian congregation,
to take pains to trauell vnto yow and withe yow for vs : so
that this matter as it is begon and moued in writinge maie

XIX.

be fully debated and concluded by his faithful] means and
diligence. For we be all agreed and do purpose to allowe and
performe what so euer he shall saie and promes in oure names
vnto yow. Wherfore, we beseche yow in Goddes name
conscionably to consider the estate and condition bothe off
yow and vs, and iff there vppon yow conclude withe the saied
master Chambers off oure comminge vnto yow, then let him
not lack your charitable helpe in necessary prouision for our
continuance withe yow. And thus besechinge god that your
doings maie tende to his glorie, and the spedy comforte off
his afflicted churche we wishe yow all helthe and increase off
true knowledge in Christe our lord and sauiour. From Zurick
this 27. off October. Anno 1554.

Your lovinge frinds as in
the letters before.

When Maister Chambers had conferred with the con-
gregation and sawe that they coulde not assure him the
full vse off the Englishe booke withowte the hazardinge
off their churche, he prepared to departe from whens he
came, and by this time was Maister Knox come from Ge-
neua, (and chosen minister) vppon the receipte off a letter
sent him from the congregation, whiche letter was as fo-
lowithe.

We haue receiued letters from oure brethern off Straus-
brough, but not in suche sorte and ample wise as we looked
for, wheruppon we assembled together in the H. Goaste we
hope, and haue with one voice and consent chosen yow so
particulerly to be one off the Ministers off our congregation
here, to preache vnto vs the moste liuely worde off God, ac-
cordinge to the gift that God hathe geuen yow for as muche
as we haue here throughe the mercifull goodnes off God a
churche to be congregated together in the name off Christe,
and be all of one body, and also beinge of one natio, tonge, and
countrie. And at this presente, hauinge neede off suche a one

XX.

Mark the as yow, we do desier yovv and also require yow in the name

CKnoxtf off God not t0 deny vs' nor t0 remse tneis oure requests, but
the pastor- that yovv will aide, helpe and assiste vs with your presence in
%PP' this our Good and godlie entreprise, whiche we haue take in
hand to the glorie off god and the profit off his congregation
and the poore sheepe off Christ dispersed abroad, who withe
your and like presences, woulde come hither and be of one
folde where as nowe they wander abroad as loste sheepe with-
owte anie gide. we mistruste not but that yow will ioifully
accepte this callinge. Fare ye well from Franckford this 24.
off September.

Your louinge brethern.

Iohn Bale
* Edmond Sutton.
N Iohn Makebraie.

— William Whitingham + Thomas wood. ^Mighell Gill.

Thomas Cole
- William Williams
George Chidley
William Hammon.
Thomas Steward

'Iohn Stanton
William Walton
Iasper sivyft
Iohn Geofrie.
Iohn Graie

Iohn Samford
Iohn Wood.
Thomas Sorby
Anthony Cariar
Hugh Alforde.

Nowe to returne to the tenor of the letter which the
congregation off Franckford wrate by Maister Chambers to
the students off Zurick.

We haue receyued your 2. seuerall letters the one dated the
13. off October sent vs from Strausbrough and the other
the 27. off the same by the hands off your deare frinde
Maister Chambers and haue conferred with him at large,
touching the contents theroff. And when as after diuers
assemblyes and longe debatings the saied Maister Chambers
perceyued that we coulde not in all points warrant the full vse
off" the booke off seruice (whiche semethe to be your full scope

XXL

and marke) and also waying in conscience the great benefit
that God hathe in this citie offred to our whole nation, he not
only reioised at the same, but also promised to trauell in per-
swadinge yow to the futheraunce therof. As touchinge the
eflfecte off the booke, we desire the execution theroff as muche
as yow, (so farr as Gods worde dothe commende it) but as
for the vnprofitable ceremonies, aswell by his consent as by
ours, are not to be vsed. And althoughe they were tollerable
(as some are not) yet beinge in a strange commo wealthe, we
coulde not be suffred to put them in vse, and better it were
they shulde neuer be practised, then they shulde be the sub-
uersion off oure churche, whiche shulde fall in great hassard by
vsinge them.

The matter is not. oures more then yours, (excepte anie
excell others in godly zeele) but bothe wishe gods honor.

Iff a larger gate be opened there, to the same then to vs,
vppon your perswations, ye shall not fmde vs to drawe back,
for this is that necessitie, brethern, that maie not be neglected,
yff we wishe the comforte and gatheringe together off oure
dispersed brethern. Yff anie think that the not vsinge off
the booke in all pointes shoulde increase our godly fathers,
and bretherns bands, or els anye thinge deface the worthie
ordinances and lawes off our Soueraigne Lorde off moste
famous memory. K. Edward the 6. he semethe ether litle to
waie the mater, or ells letted through ignorance knowethe
not that euen they themselues haue vppon considerations off
circumstances, altered heretofore many thinges as touchinge
the same. And iff god had not in theis wicked daies other-
wise determined, woulde here after haue chaunged more, yea
and in oure case we dowte not but that they woulde haue don
the like. Theis fewe lines concerninge bothe our comuni-
cations we haue accordingely written vnto yow, referringe the
reste to the discretion off oure Good frinde Maister Cham-
bers, who knoweth that we haue shewed oure selues most
conformable in all thinges that standethe in our powers and
moste desirous off your companies accordinge to our former

XXII.

letters. The spirit off God moue your hartes to do that which
shalbe most to his glory and the comforte off your brethern.
At Franckford. this 15. of Nouember.

Your louinge frinds, &c.

The 28. off Nouember Maister Chambers came againe
to Franckford from Strousbrough, and with him Maister
Grindall with letters from the lerned men there, sub-
scribed with 16. off their handes, whiche letter was as
folowethe.

When we do consider what inwarde comforte it were for
the faithfull people off Englande now dispersed for the
gospell, and wandringe abroad in strange countries as shepe
withowte pastor, to be gathered together in to one congrega-
tion, that with one mouth, one minde, and one spirit they
might glorifie God : we haue at all tymes and do presently
think it oure dewties, not only in harte to wishe that thinge,
but also to labor by all means so muche as in vs lyethe to
bringe the same to passe. And hauinge nowe perfit intelli-
gence off the Good mindes, whiche the magistrats off Franck-
ford beare towardes yow and others oure scattered countrie
men, and also vnderstandinge off the free graunt off a churche
vnto vs wherin we maie together serue god, and not dowtinge
off their farther frindshipp in permittinge vs franckly to vse
our religion accordinge to that godly order sett forthe and re-
ceaued in England : We bothe geue god thankes for so great
a benefit, and also thinke it not fit to refuse so frindly an
offre, or to let slippe so good an occasion. Therfore, neither
dowtinge off their good furtherance hereunto, nor yet distrust-
inge your good conformitie and ready desiers in reducinge the
Englishe churche now begun there, to it former perfection off
the laste, had in Englande, so farre as possiblie can be atteined,
least by muche alteringe off the same we shulde seeme to con-
demne the chieff authors theroff, who as they nowe suffer, so
are they moste redie to confirme that facte with the price off

XXIII.

their blouds and sbulde also bothe geue occasion to our aduer-
saries, to accuse oure doctrine of imperfection, and vs of mu-
tablitie, ad the godly to dowte in that truthe wherin before they
were perswaded, and to hinder their cominge hither whiche
before they had purposed : For the auoidinge off these, and the
obtaininge off the other, moued hereunto in conscience and
prouoked by your ientle letters, we haue thought it expedient
to sende ouer vnto yow, oure beloued brethern the bringers
hereof! to trauell withe the magistrats and yow concerninge
the premisses, whose wisedomes lerninge and godly zeele, as
they be knowen vnto yow, so their doings in this shall fullie
take place withe vs. And yff they obtaine that whiche we
truste will not be denied at no hands : Then we intend (God
willinge) to be with yow the firste off February next, there to
helpe to set in order and stablishe that churche accordingly.
And so longe altogether to remaine with yow as shall be neces-
sary, or vntill iuste occasion shall call some off vs awaie.

And we dowte not but that our brethern off Zurick, Emden
Duesbrough &c. will do the same accordingly, as we haue
praied them by oure letters trustinge that yow by yours will
make like requeste. Fare ye well from Strasbrough this 23.
off Nouember.

Your louing frinds,

lames Haddon Iohn Geoffrye Arthur Saule.

Edwin Sands Iohn Pedder. Thomas Steicard.

Edmond Grindall. Thomas Eaten, Christ. Goodman

Iohn Huntington Mighell Reymuger Humphry Alcocson
Guido Eaten. Augustine Bradbridge. Tho. Lakin

Tho: Craft on.

This letter was red to the congregation, at whiche tyme
maister Grindall declared the occasi5 of ther cominge whiche
(amoge other things) was chieflie for thestablishinge of the
booke off England not that they mente, (as he saied) to haue
it so strictly obserued but that suche ceremonies, and thinges

XXIIII.

whiche the countrie coulde not beare, might well be omitted,
so that they might haue the substance and eflfecte therofF.
Maister Knox and whittingham asked them what they mente
by the substance off the booke, It was answered by the other
that they had no comission to dispute those matters, but they
requested that the congregation would answere to certeine
interogatories, whiche were thies : First, that they might knowe
what partes off the booke they woulde admit. The seconde
was for a seuerall churche, and the thirde what assurace they
might haue for their quiete habitation. To the firste, answere
was made that what they coulde proue off that Booke to
stande withe gods worde, and the countrie permit, that shuld
be graunted them. To the 2. whiche was for a church, it
was tolde them, that they vnderstoode by the Magistrats, the
tyme serued not to moue anie suche matter till the counsaile
brake vp at Ausburge. To the third it was saied that a gene-
rall graunt was made at their first comminge thither, to the
whole nation, and the fredome off the citie offred to all suche
as were desyrous off it in as large and ample manner as they
coulde require, whiche was to them assurance sufficient.

Theis 3. questions thus answered maister Chambers
and Maister Grindall departe back againe with a letter from
the congregation whiche was as followethe.

Grace mercy and peace, 8$c.
As it was euer moste true, so at this present we feele most
sensiblie, that where so euer god layeth the foundation to
builde his glory, there he continueth till he bringe the same to
a present worke. All thanks and praise be vnto him ther-
fore, that hathe moued your hartes so as in no point ye seeme
to forslowe your diligence to the furtheraunce off" the same. And
as the worke is off moste excellencie So the aduersaries cease
not most craftely to vndermine it, or at the leaste, through
false reportes and defacing off the worke begon, to staie the
laborers, whiche shulde trauell in the fmishinge theroff.

XXV.

But truthe euer cleareth it selff, and as the Sonne consumethe
the clowds, so misreportes by triall are confounded. Oure
brethern sent from yow can certifie yow at lenght touchinge
the particulers off your letter, to whom we haue in all things
agreed which e semed expedient for the state off this con[gre]-
gation. As for certeine Ceremonies whiche the order off the
countrie will not beare : we necessarily omit with as litle al-
teration as is possible (which in your letters ye require) so
that no aduersary is so impudent that dare either blame oure
doctrine of imperfection, or vs of mutabilitie, excepte he be
altogether willfull ignorante, rather seekinge howe to finde
faultes, then to amend them. Nether doo we dissente from
them whiche lie at the raunsome off their blouds for the doc-
trine wheroff they haue made a moste worthye confession.

And yet we thinke not that anye godlie man will stande to
the deathe in the defence of ceremonies, whiche (as the booke
specifiethe) vpo iuste causes maie be altered and chaunged.

And yffthe not full vsinge off the booke cause the godly to
dowte in that truthe wherin before they were perswaded, and
to staye theyr comminge hither, accordinge as they purposed :
either it signifieth that they were verye slenderly taught whiche
for breach off a Ceremonie will refuse suche a singuler be-
nefit, or ells that yow haue harde them misreported by some
false brethern, who, to hinder this worthie enterprise, spare
not to sowe in euerie place, store off suche poore reasons.
Laste off all it remainethe that ye write, that the firste off Fe-
bruary nexte yow will come to helpe to set in order and esta-
blishe this churche accordingly, whiche thinge, as we moste
wishe for your companies sake and for that ye might se oure
godly orders alreadie here obserued: So we put yow owte of
dowte that for to appointe a iourney for the establishing off
Ceremonies shulde be more to your charges then anie generall
profit, excepte ye were determined to remaine with vs longer
then 2. monethes, as ye write to our countriemen at Dens-
brorow and Emden, whiche letters notwithstandinge are nowe
staid and as apearethe we neuer the neere.

XXVI.

We referre the reste to oure brethern maister Chamber
and maister Grindall, who by their diligent inquisition haue
learned so farre off our state as we wrote vnto yow in our
former letters that is, that we haue a churche freely graunted
to preach gods word purely, to minister the Sacraments sin-
cerely and to execute discipline truly. And as touchinge our
booke we will practise it so farre as gods worde dothe assure
it and the state off this countrie permit. Fare ye well. At
Franckf. this 3. off December.

Your louinge frinds.

Gorge Whetnall -Thomas Wood ^Iohn Makebraie

Thomas Whetnall ^William Williams ^William Walton

"-Iohn Knox. > Iohn Stanton ^Mighell Gill.

•" Iohn Bale «* Iohn Samford Laurence Kent.

n William Whitingham Iohn fox. Iohn Hollingham.

- Edward Sutton. William Kethe

The answere to this letter from Strausbrough was as
foloweth.

Grace, mercy and peace, §c.

We haue receaued your letters, and also your answere
in wrytinge concerninge certeine Articles, and do perceyue
aswell by the same as by maister Chambers and Maister
Grindall your state. But for so muche as your opinion is that
the tyme dothe not presently serue to moue the magistrate in
those requests the obteininge wheroff was the principall cause
of our sending vnto yow, we cannot at this present condescend
vppon anie generall meetinge, at anie certeine tyme, ether
to remaine with yow or otherwise. And theifore, iff yow
shall certeinly perceaue a time conuenient, that the Magistrats
may be traueled withe all aswell for the good and quiete
habitation off the commers, and especially Students, as also
a seuerall churche, and to knowe whither the exercise off
the booke shall be vsed, suche we meane as no reasonable ma

XXVII.

shall iustly reproue, and that the ccrteintie off theis matters
maie be knowen at the magistrats hands :

then, (yff yow can let vs haue intelligence) we will farther
consulte what is to be done on oure partye, trustinge god
shall directe vs to do so as maye be rnoste to his glorie in
the ende, howe so euer the presente tyme shall iudge off it.
From Strausbrough this 13. off December.

Your louing frinds, &c.
as in the letteers before.

When this letter was redd to the congregation, they re-
quested that for so muche as the lerned men, coulde not
codescend vppon any generall and certeine tyme off meetinge
as nowe appeared by their letters, they might conclude vppon
some certeine order by common consent still to continewe
and that withowte farther delaye, and also to haue the holie
communion ministred, whiche the moste part ernestlie desired.
At lenght (it was agreed that the order of Geneua whiche
then was alreadie printed in Englishe and some copies there
amonge them) shulde take place as an order moste godly and
fardeste off from superstition. But Maister knox beinge
spoken vnto, aswell to put that order in practise, as to
minister the communion, refused to do ether the one or the
other, affirminge, that for manie considerations he coulde
not consente that the same order shulde be practised, till the
lerned men off Strausbrough, Zurik, Emden, &c. were made
priuy. Neither yet woulde he minister the communion by the
booke off Englande, for that there were thinges in it placed
(as he saied) onely by warrant of mans authoritie and no
grownde in godds worde for the same, and had also a longe
tyme verye superstitiously in the masse byn wickedly abused.
But yff he might not be suffred to minister the Sacraments
accordinge to his conscience, he then requested that some
other might minister the Sacraments, and he woulde onely
preache. Iff nether coulde be admitted he besought them

XXVIII.

that he might be discharged. But to that the congregation
woulde in no wise consente.

Whiles these things were thus in handlinge came maister
Leuer (before elected) who, assemblinge the congregation
requested that he might withe their consentes appointe suche
an order, as shulde be bothe Godly withowt respecte off the
Booke off Geneua or anye other, requestinge farther, that for
so muche as that office was off so great importaunce, ad that
he had not byn in the like before, that he might betweene that
and Easter haue a triall off them, and they off him, and so at
the ende off that terme either take or refuse, whiche time off
triall, as it was willingly graunted him : so when they vnder-
stoode that the order whiche he woulde place and vse was not
altogether suche as was fit for a right reformed churche, they
woulde in nowise yelde to the same.

Knox, whittingham, and others, perceyuinge that theis
beginnings woulde growe to some what, yff it were not staid
in time, drewe forthe a platt off the whole booke off England
into the lattin tonge, sendinge the same to maister Caluin off
Geneua and requestinge his iudgement therin, and shewinge
him that some off their countrie men went abowte to force
them to the same and woulde admit no other, sayinge, that it
was an order moste absolute and that yff euer they came into
their countrie they woulde do their beste to establishe it
againe. Nowe folowethe the description.

A description off the Liturgie, or booke off

seruice that is vsed in

Englande.

Firste off all, morninge praier offreth it selff. The minister
hauinge put on a white garment (whiche they call a surplesse)

XXIX.

beginninge withe some sentence off liolie scripture, as for
example : yff we shall saie that we haue no sinne we deceyue
oure selues, &c. or some suche of like sorte. Then he takethe
in hande the exhortation, wThiche stirreth vp to a confession off
synnes, whiche the minister pronounceth with a loude voice,
the people sainge after him. To this is added an absolution,
and when these thinges are done, he rehersethe the lordes
praier, and afterward lorde open thow my lyppes, and my
mouthe shall shewe forth thy praise. O god be redie to be
my helpe, &c. Then, come and let vs singe vnto th Lorde,
&c. By and by also there folowe 3. Psalmes together at
thende off euery one. Then foloweth the first lesson, whiche
conteinethe a whole chapiter off the olde Testament. After
this lesson they saie or singe we praise the, lorde, or Blessed
be the Lorde, &c. Then an other lesson owte off the Newe
testamente, vnlesse peraduenture the solemnization off some
highe feast haue other set and apointed lessons. Nowe in
cathedrall churches they vtter their lessons in plaine songe and
the afterwards is Benedictus added. This booke warnethe that
they keepe this order through owte the whole yere. After-
wards, the crede is pronounced by the Minister, (all the people
in the meane tyme stading vp) Afterwards fallinge downe vppon
their knees, the Minister saithe, The Lorde be with yow, The
answere, And with thy spirite.

Then, Lorde haue mercy vppon vs, Christe haue mercy
vppon vs, Lorde haue mercy vppon vs, &c. our father, &c.
pronounced owte alowde off all with all boldnesse. Then the
Minister, when he standeth vpp saithe, o lorde shewe vs thy
mercy. The answere, and geue vnto vs thy sauinge helthe. O
Lorde saue the king In the day wherin we shall call vppon
thee. Indue thy Ministers withe righteousnes. And make thy
chosen people ioyfull. O Lorde saue thy people. And blesse
thyne inheritaunce. Geue peace in our tyme o Lorde, &c.
At lenghtz. Collects are had in place off a conclusion, the
firste, for the daie, the seconde for peace, the laste is for the
obteininge off Grace. Nowe, the eueninge praiers are saide in

c

XXX.

a manner as the other are, sauinge, that after the firste lessen
foloweth my soule doth magnifie the lorde. After the 2. lessen
Now Lorde, &c. and in steed off that collect, God whiche arte
the Author off peace, is vsed o God from whom all holie de-
siers, &c. besides, there is caution added that all Ministers
shall exercise them selues continually aswell in morninge
praiers as eueninge praiers, except perhapp by studie in dyui-
nitie or some other busynes, they be greatly and necessarely
let or hindred. Besides, vppon euery Sabothe daie, wensdaie
and fridaie there is yet in vse certeine suffrages deuised off
Pope Gregory whiche beginnethe after this manner. O God
the father off heauen haue mercy vppon vs miserable synners.
O God the sonne redemer off the worlde, &c. onely leauinge
owte the inuocation off saincts, otherwise we vse a certaine
coniuringe off God. By the misterie off his incarnation, by
his holy natiuitie and circumcision by his baptisme, fastinge
and temptation, by his agonie and bloudie sweate, &c. yea,
it comprehendethe in plaine wordes a praier to be deliuered
from suddain deathe, the people answeringe to the ende
off euery clause, either spare vs good lorde, or ells, Good
Lorde deliuer vs, or we beseche thee to heare vs Good Lorde.
O Lambe off God that taketh awaie the sinnes off the worlde
is thrise repeated. Then Lorde haue mercy vpon vs thrise,
and then the Lords praier with this praier also, o Lord deale
not with vs after our sinnes to the same adioined, passinge
ouer some things least we shulde seeme to syfte all those
drosses which remaine still amonge vs.

Nowe the manner off the supper is thus. The nomber
off three at the leaste is counted a fitt nomber to communi-
cate, and yet it is permitted (the pestilence or some other com-
mon siknes beinge amonge the people) the Minister alone maie
communicate withe the sicke man in his house. First ther-
fore, the Minister muste be prepared after this manner, in a
whit lynnin garmente (as in sayinge the other seruice he is
apointed) and muste itande at the Northe side off the Table.
Then is had the Lords praier after the custome, then he re-

XXXI.

citeth the collect, and after folowe in order the ten commaunde-
ments, but so notwithstanding, that euery one off the people
maye answere ; lorde haue mercy vpon vs and inclyne oure
hartes to keepe this lawe. After the rehersall off the com-
mandements, the collect off the daie (as it is called) and an
other for the kinge is had. By and by the Epistle and Gos-
pell folowethe, to witt, suche as the callender apointethe for
that daie. And there in this place there is a note, that euerie
holy daye hathe his collect Epistle and Gospell) whiche fill 75.
great leaues off the booke, when the reste fill scarse fiftie. For
all holy daies are nowe in like vse as were amonge the Pa-
pistes, onelye verye fewe excepted.

Then he goethe forwardes to the crede and after that to
the sermon (iff there be anie) Afterwardes the parishe priest
byddeth the holie dayes and fastes on their eues, iff there be
anye that weeke. And here the booke warnethe that none de-
fraude the parishe priest off his due or right specially on those
feast daies, that are dedicated to offrings. Then foloweth
a praier for the state off the churche militaunte, and that not
withowte a longe heape and mixture off matters vntill they
come (after a certeine confession off sinnes) to lift vp your
hartes, the people answeringe, we geue thankes to the lorde.
Let vs geue thanks to our Lorde God, the answer, It is meete
and right so to do. It is verie meete, right and our bownden
dewtie, &c. vntill they come to that clause : O Lorde holie
father, &c. and so the preface accordinge to the feaste is added.
Afterwards he saithe : Therfore withe Angells and Archangells
and so endethe with holy holy holy, lord god, till he come to
hosianna in the highest. Nowe the priest bowethe his knee
acknowledginge oure vnworthynes in the name off all them
that shall receiue. And settinge owte gods mercye, he be-
sechethe God that oure bodies maye be made cleane by his
bodie and that our soules maie be washed through his bloude.
And then he againe standeth vp and takethe in hande a freshe
an other praier appointed for this purpos, in which are con-
teined the wordes off the institution, all whiche beinge donnc,

c 2

XXXII.

he first communicateth, then, by and by he saithe to an other,
knelinge, Take, and eate this in remembrance that Christ died
for thee and feede on him in thy harte by faithe with thanks
geuinge.

Now abowte thende the Lordes praier is vsed againe, the
Minister sayinge it alowde and all the people folowinge, to
conclude, they haue a geuinge off thanks in thende, withe
Glory to god in the highest, as it was vsed amonge the Pa-
pistes, yff it happen that there be no sermon, onely a fewe
thinges are omitted, but all other thinges are donne in order
aforesaid.

In baptisme the Godfathers are demaunded in the name
off the childe, wither they renownce the deuell and all his
workes, the lustes off the worlde, &c. and they answere I
renownce them. Then, wither they belieue the Artikles off the
faithe, whiche beinge confessed, wilte thow (saith he turninge
himself to bothe the witnesses, be baptized into this faithe ?
and they saie yea, I will. After a fewe thinge rehersed, he
takethe the Child and dippeth it in, but warely and discretly
as it is in the booke, vppon whose forehead also he shall make
a crosse in token forsoothe that when he is olde he shall not be
ashamed to confesse the faithe off Christe Crucified. After-
ward, sendinge awaie the Godfathers and Godmothers, he
chargeth them that they bringe the childe to be confirmed off
the Bishopp as sone as he can saie the Articles off the faithe,
the lordes praier, and the ten Comaundemets. And seinge
there be many causes, as the booke saithe, whiche shulde moue
them to the Confirmation off Children, this, forioothe, off
all others is the waightiest, that by imposition off hands they
maie receiue strenght and defence against all temptations off
sinne, and the assaults off the world and the deuell, bicause
that when Children come to that age, partlie, by the frailtie
off their owne fleshe, partly, by the assaults off' the worlde
and the deuell they beginn to be in daunger : And leaste anie
shulde think any error to be in this Confirmation, therfore
they take a certeine pamflett off a Catechisme, which con-

XXXIII.

sisteth off the Articles off the faithe, the Lordes praier, and
ten commandements, and all this is dispatched in lesse then
two leaues.

To these is ioyned their manner off Mariage off whiche
that we maie passeouer many petty ceremonies these follies
who can suffer ? The husbande laithe downe a ringe vpon the
booke, whiche the minister takinge, he geuethe it in his hande
and biddethe him to put it on the fourth finger off his wiues
left hande, Then he vsethe this forme off wordes : withe this
ringe (saithe he) I thee wedd, withe my body I thee worship
withe all my worldly goods I thee endue. In the name off
the father, the sonne, and the holy ghoste.

A litle after the Minister saithe to the newe maried persons
knelinge before the lordes table : Lorde haue mercy vppon vs
Christ haue mercy vpon vs, Lorde haue mercy vppon vs.
Oure father which arte, &c. Lorde saue thy seruannt and thy
handmaide, &c. and so a few things beinge rehersed they
muste be brought to the Lordes supper. Tlje visitation off the
sicke is after this manner. Peace be to this howse. The an-
swere, and to all that dwell in the same. Lorde haue mercy
vpon vs, &c. our father, &c. Lorde saue thy seruannte. An-
swere, whiche trustethe in thee. Sende forthe thy helpe from
thy holy hil, and withe spede saue him, &c. as in the other
prefaces withe questions and answers. Off the Buriall.

The Priest meetethe the Corse at the entraunce off the
churcheyarde either singing or softly pronouncinge, I am
the Resurrection and the liffe, &c. I knowe that my re-
demer lyuethe. Job. 19. beinge comme to the graue it is
sayed. Man borne off a woman Job. 9. When the earthe is
throwen in, we committ (saithe he) earthe to earthe, duste
to duste, &c. The Lorde hathe geuen, the Lorde hathe taken,
I harde a voice from heauen, sayenge, Blessed are the dead
whiche die in the Lorde. Lorde haue mercy vppon vs, &c.

The purification of women in childbed, whiche they call
c 3

Knox and
Whitt

XXXIIII.

geuinge off thankes, is not only in all things withe vs almoste
common withe the Papistes but also with the Jewes, bycause
they are commaunded in stede off a lambe or doue to offre
monie.

Other thinges, not so muche shame it selff, as a certeine
inpham kinde off pitie compelleth vs to keepe close, in the meane sea-
toopstome son notninge diminishinge the honor due to those reuerende
things. men, who partely beinge hindred by those times, and by the
obstinacie and also multitude off aduersaries (to whom no-
thinge was euer delightfull besides their owne corruptions)
beinge as it were ouerflowen, did alwaies in their minde
continually as muche as they coulde striue to more perfect
thinges.

Note, that this description is verye favourably put
downe, yf ye conferre it with the Booke off order in all
points, and the vsage off the booke in many churches of
. this realme yow can confesse no lesse. And hereoff ye
male gather what M. Caluin woulde haue written, yf they
had noted all the abuses of the same.

The answere and Iudgemente off that famous and

excellent lerned man Maister Iohn Caluin the late Pastor

off Geneua, touchinge the booke off Englande after

that he had perused the same faithfully

translated owte off Latten by

maister Whittingham.

To the godly and lerned men Maister Iohn Knox, and
Maister William Whittingham, his faithfull brethern at
Frankford &c.

This thinge trulie greuethe me very muche, and it is a
great shame that contention shulde arise amonge brethern
banished and driuen owte of their countrie for one faithe, and

XXXV.

for that cause whiche onely ought to haue holden yow bounde
together as it were withe an holy bande in this your disper-
sion. For what might yow do better in this dolorous and
miserable plage, then (beinge pulled violently from your coun-
trie) to procure your selues a church, whiche shulde receiue ad
nourishe yow (beinge ioyned together in mindes and languadge)
in her motherly lappe. But nowe for some men to striue as
touchinge the forme off praier and for Ceremonies as though
ye were at reste and prosperitie, and to suffer that to be an
impedimente that ye cannot there ioyne in to one body off the
churche (as I think) it is to muche owte off season.

Yet notwithstanding, I allowe their constancie whiche striue
for a iuste cause beinge forced againste their willes vnto con-
tention. I do worthely condemne frowardnes, whiche dothe
hinder and staie the holye carefullnes of reforminge the
churche.

And as I behaue myselff gentle and tractable in meane
things (as extemall ceremonies) So doo I not alwaies iudge
it profitable, to geue place to their folishe stowtenes, whiche
will forsake nothinge off their oulde wonted custome. In the
liturgie off Englande, I se that there were manye tollerable
foolishe thinges, by theis wordes I meane, that there was not
that puritie whiche was to be desired. Theis vices, thoughe Many tol-
they coulde not at the firste daie be amended, yet, seinge j;'H'j ;','/,,.
there was no manifeste impetie, they were for a season to be jjj^j
tollerated. Therfore, it was lawfull to begin off suche nidi- '/,,, Caluins
mentes or absedaries, but so, that it behoued the lerned, graue, »«<</'"" "•
and godly ministers off Christe to enterprise farther, and to
set foorthe some thinge more filed from ruste, and purer. Yf
godly Religion had florished till this daie in Englande, there
ought to haue bin a thinge better corrected and manie thinges
cleane taken awaie. Nowe, when theis principles be ouer
throwne, a churche muste be set vp in an other place, where
ye maie freely make an order againe, whiche shall be apparent
to be.moste commoditious to the vse and edification off the
churche. I cannot tell what they meane whiche so greatly

c 4

XXXVI.

delite in the leauinges off Popishe dregges. They loue the
thinges wherunto they are accustomed. Firste off all, this is

triflin^d a thinge bothe triflinge and Childishe. Furthermore, this

CMdishe newe order farre difFereth from a chaunge.

'ZhifmTnt. Therfore» as I woulde not haue yow feirse ouer them whose
infirmitie will not suffer to ascend an higher steppe : so
woulde I aduertise other, that they please not them selues to
muche in their foolishnes. Also, that by their frowardnes,
they doo not let the course off the holie buildinge. Laste off
all, least that foolishe vaine glorie steale them awaie. For
what cause haue they to contende, excepte it be for that they
are ashamed to geue place to better tinges. But I speake in
vaine to them whiche perchaunce esteeme me not so well, as
they will vouchsaffe to admitt the consaile that commethe from
suche an authour. If they feare the evell rumor in Englande,
as though they had fallen from that Religion which was the
cause off their banishment, they are farre decerned for this
true and sincere Religion, will rather compell them that theire
remaine, faithfully to consider in to what deepe gulff they
haue fallen. For there dow7nefall shall more greuously wounde
them, when they perceyue your goinge forewarde beionde
mid course, from the whiche they are turned. Fare ye well
dearely beloued brethern, and faithfull seruants off Christe.
the Lorde defende and gouerne yow from Geneua this 20. off
Ian. Anno. 1555.

Your Iohn Caluin.

When this letter of Caluins was redd to them of the con-
gregation, it so wrought in the hartes off many, that they
were not before so stowte to maintaine all the partes off the
boke off England as afterward they were bent against it. But
nowe to returne. Whiles these things were in doyinge, the
congregation (as yow haue harde afore) coulde not agree vpon
anie certeine order, till after longe debatinge to and fro, it
was concluded, that maister Knox, maister Whittingham,
Maister Gilby, Maister Fox and Maister T. Cole shulde

XXXVII.

drawe forthe some order meete for their state and time : whiche
thinge was by them accomplished and offred to the congre-
gation (beinge the same order off Geneua whiche is nowe in
print) This order was verie well liked off many, but suche as
were bent to the booke off Englande coulde not abide it, yea,
cotention grewe at lenght so hot, and the one partye whicli
sought sinceritie, so sore charged, with newfanglednes and
singularitie and to be the stirrers of c5tention and vnquietnes,
that Maister Gilby with a godly grieff (as well apeared) TU hum-
kneled downe before them and besought them (withe teares) mhy °and
to reforme their iudgementes, solemelie protestinge, that (in ]l^d/''
this matter) they sought not themselues, but onely the glorie v
off god, as he was verely perswaded, wishinge farther that
that hande whiche he then helde vp were stricken of if by that
a godly peace and vnitie might ensue and followe. In thende
an other waie was taken by the congregation, whiche was,
that maister Knox and maister whittingham, Maister parry
and Maister leauer_shulde deuise some order yff it might be,
to ende all strifFand contention.

Thies 4. assembled for that purpos. And first, Maister Themo-
Knox spake to the reste in this wise. For so muche, (saithe '£,,'', y
he) as I perceiue, that no ende of cotention is to be hoped for,
vnlesse the one parte somethinge relent, this will I doo for my
parte, that quietnes maie insue. I will shewe my iudgement
howe (as I think) it maie be beste for the edification off this
poore flocke, whiche if ye will not accepte, nor followe (after
that I haue discharged my conscience) I will cease and comit
the whole matter to be ordered by yow as yow will answere
before Christ Iesus at the laste daie, and to this his congregation
in this liflfe, &c. Wherupon after some conference, an order
was agreed vpo : some parte take forthe of the Englishe booke
and other things put to, as the state of that churche required.

And this order by the consent of the cogregation shulde FAwpnk.
continewe to the laste of Aprill folowing. yff anie contention )™*£\ %'
shulde arise in the meane time, the matter then to be deter- Feb.
mined by theis 5. notable lerned me, to wete, Caluin, Musculus

c 5

XXXVIII.

come to
Frank/.

Theffiscte

of Knox
sermon.

Martyr, Bullinger, and Vyret. This agremente was put in
wrytinge. To that all gaue their consentes. This daie was
ioyfull. Thanckes were geue to God, brotherly reconciliation
folowed, great familiaritie vsed, the former grudges seemed to
be forgotten. Yea the holie communion was vppon this happie
agremente, also ministred. And this frindshipp continued
wtihrthers tiU tbe 13, off March folowinge, at whiche tyme D. Coxe and
others with him came to Frankford owte off Englande, who
began to break that order whiche was agreed vppon, firste in
answeringe alowde after the minister, contrary to the churches
determination, and beinge admonished theroff, by the Seniors
off the congregation, he, with the rest that came withe him
made answere, that they woulde do as they had donne in
Englande, and that they would haue the face off an English
churche. And the sundaie folowinge, one off his company
withowt the consent and knowledg off the congregation gate
vpp suddainly into the pulpit, redd the lettany, and D. Cox
withe his companie answered alowde, wherby the determina-
tion off the churche was broken. The same sundaie at after
noone it came to maister Knox his turne to preache, who
hauinge passed so farre in Gen. that he was come to Noah as
he laie open in his tente, he spake theis wordes folowinge.

As diuers thinges (saithe he) ought to be kepte secret,
euenso suche thinges as end to the dishonor off God and dis-
quieting of his churche ought to be disclosed and openly re-
proued. And therupon he shewed, howe that after longe
trouble and contention amonge them, a godly agremente was
made, and howe that the same, that daie was vngodly broken,
whiche thinge, became not (as he saied) the prowdest off them
all to haue attepted, alleadginge furthermore that like as by
the worde off God we muste seeke oure warrant for the esta-
blishing off religion, and withowt that to thruste nothinge
into anie Christian congregation : so for as muche as in the
Englishe booke were thinges bothe superstitious, vnpure, and
vnperfect (which he offred to proue before all men) he would
not consent that off that churche it shulde be receiued, and

XXXIX.

that in case men woulde go abowte to burthen that free con-
gregation therwith, so ofte as he shulde come in that place
(the texte offringe occasion) he woulde not faile to speak
againste it.

He farther affirmed that amonge manye thinges whiche
prouoked godds anger againste Englade, slacknes to reforme
religion (when tyme and place was graunted) was one. And
therfore it became them to be circiispecte, howe they laid their
foundation. And where some men ashamed not to saie, that
there was no let or stopp in Englande, but that Religion might
be, and was already brought to perfection, he proued the
contrary, by the wante off discipline. Also by the troubles
which maister Hooper Sustained, for the Rochet and such
like, in the booke commanded and allowed.

And for that one man was permitted to haue 3. 4. or 5.
benefices to the great slaunder off the gospell and defraudinge
off the flock off Christe off their liuely foode and sustenaunce.
These were the chieff notes off his sermon, whiche was so
stomaked off some, especially off suche as had many liuinges
in Englande, that he was verye sharplie charged, and reproued
so soone as he came owte off the pulpit, for the same.

The twesdaie folowinge, was appointed to talke off thies y, ( ,
thinges more at large. When all were assembled earneste re- gjjgfj^
queste was made that D. Coxe with his companie might be
admitted to haue voices in the congregation. Answere was
made by others that the matter yet in controuersie amonge
them, ought firste to be determined, Sec5dly, that they shuld
subscribe to discipline as others had don before them, and far-
ther yt was greatly suspected that they had byn (some off Bui that
them) at masse in Englande, and others had subscribed to jjjf^i
wicked articles, as one off them shortly after euen in the pulpit ^ ;;;<'''
sorowfully confessed. For theis considerations and suche like,
The congregation withstoode the admission off D. Coxe and
his companie. Knox at laste, began to make intretie that they
might haue their voices amonge the reste, to whose requeste M. i
when certeine had yelded, they then became the greater parte

c 6

XL.

and so were by them admitted as members off the churche.
They thus admitted, by the moste parte. D. Coxe foorthwith
forbad Knox to meddle anye more in that congregation.
Knox put- The nexte daie beinge wensdaie, whittingham wente to
thosewkich Maister Iohn Glauburge (who was the chief! meane in ob-
UbrougU taininge the cliurche) and brake the matter vnto him, declar-
inge, howe that certeine, nowe come owte off Englande had
forbidden their minister apointed, to preache that daie, and in-
tended to set vpp an other, whiche he dowted woulde not be
well taken. And therfore, leaste anie inconuenience shulde
happe, he thought good to make him priuie therto. Wher-
upon the saied Magistrat sent immediatlie and gaue comaunde-
ment that ther shulde be no sermon that daie. Afterwarde
he sent for Valeran the Frenche Minister, commaundinge him
that 2. lerned men shulde be appointed off either parte, and
that he and they shulde consulte and agree vppon some good
ordre, and to make report vnto him accordingly. Then were
apointed D. Cox and leuer off the one side and knox and whit-
tingham on the other side To decide the matter. Valeran was
appointed to put downe in writinge what they shulde agree
vpon. But when in this conference, they came to the order off
Mattins and that D. Coxe saide, Ego volo habere, there coulde
be no agrement amonge them, and so brake off, wherupon the
congregation drew vp a supplication in latten and presented it
to the saied maister Glauburge requestinge him to be a meane
that the same might be considered off amonge the Senators.
The Englishe wheroff was as folowethe.

The supplication to the Senate.

Let it not molest yow (moste graue and worthie Senators)
that your affayers are letted with a fewe wordes. And
leaste we shulde trouble yow with prolixitie, yow shall vn-
derstande the matter briefly. When your great and vnspeak-
able humanitie, through the prouidence of god had graunted
vs a churche, we vndertooke forthwith (as became vs) to

XLI.

consul te abovvte the orders off the same, and to set out
a Liturgie. And bicause we savve that in the prolixe and
Ceremonious booke of the liturgie of Englande, be manie
thinges (that we maie speake no worse off it) not moste per-
fecte, it seemed beste to reduce it to the perfecte rule off
the scriptures and to accommodate our selues to the en-
samples off that churche where in we teache, and to whom
we haue subscribed. But when this enterprise offended
some off oure countriemen (althoughe the greatest nomber
agreed vnto vs) for that we woulde decline from the decrees To weet,
off our elders, here vppon there grewe to vs for a fewe ^urd^!"
monethes no small trouble.

At the lenght, whe there appeared no ende, for peace and
Concordes sake we gaue place to their will, and suffred them
at their pleasure to pike owte off their booke the chiefest or
beste thinges vpon this condition that the same shulde con-
tinewe with owte alteration, at the leaste, vnto the laste daie
off Aprill, at the whiche daie (iff there shulde anie newe con-
tention arise) that then all the matter shulde be referred to
these 5. notable men, Calvin, Musculus, Martir, Bullinger,
and Viret. What nedethe manie wordes. This condition
was willingly accepted, and the couenaunte rated on bothe
partes. A writinge was also theroff to testifie the promesse
made off the one to the other. Moreouer thankes were geuen
to god withe great ioye, and common praiers were made, for
that men thought that daie to be thende off discorde. Be-
sides this, they receyued, the communion as the sure token,
or seale off their mutuall agremente, whiche was omitted
before, by the space off 3. monethes. Valaran also the frenche
Minister was partaker off this communion and a furtherer
off concorde and a wittnes off theis thinges. Nowe of late
daies, certeine of our countreymen came to vs who haue in-
deuored by all meanes to obtrude that huge volume off cere-
monies vpon vs to break the couenaunte and to ouerthrough
the libertie off the Churche graunted by your beneuolence.
And no dowte, this they enterprise and minde to do vnder

XLII.

the title and name off your defence, Wherby they maie abuse
the authoritie off your name to satisfie their luste. We are
here copelied to omitte manie thinges whiche woulde make for
oure cause, no lesse rightly then profitably, but we remit thies
to oure brethern for Concordes sake.

Yovv haue here, moste honorable Sen. a brieff summe of
oure case, and contention, wherby yow may easilie vnderstande,
what to iudge off the whole matter.

What manner off Booke this is for the whiche they so

The letter cruellie contende, ye maie consider by the Epistle that Caluin

'fjrfebe' lately wrote vnto vs, in the whiche he hathe signified his

minde, as well plainly off the booke, as also off the vpright-

nesse off oure cause. We coulde haue pointed owte vnto yow

the foolishe and fonde things off the booke, but passinge ouer

an infinite nomber off thinges, this one will we bringe for

manie the whiche shalbe neces|arie well to be marked.

within these three yeres arose a great conflicte betweene the

Bishopps off the realme and the Bishoppe off Glocester

This eon- Maister Hooper, a man worthie off perpetuall memorie, whom

S?t we heare to be burned off late' This man beinge made
sitkins Bishopp By kinge Edwarde, there was obtruded by other
Edward B. off the same order (accordinge to this booke) a rochet, and
his raiyne a bishops robe this man being well lerned and a longe tyme
nourished and brought vp in Germany, as soone as he refused
thies proud thinges that fooles marvell at, he was caste into
prison and at lenght by their importunitie ouercome, and
relentinge, he was compelled to his shame to geue place to
their impudency withe the common grieff and sorowe off all
godlye mindes.

But wherfore speake yow off theis thinges will yow saie,
that apperteneth nothinge to vs ? yes verely, we thinke it
touchethe yow verie moche, for yff thies men armed by your
authoritie shall do what they liste, this euell shalbe in time
established by yow and neuer be redressed, nether shall there
for euer be anie ende off this controuersie in Englande. But
yff it woulde please your honorable authoritie to decree this
moderation betweene vs, that this whole matter may be referred

as ye se.

XLIII.

to the iudgements off the fiue aboue named not we alone that
are here present, but oure whole posteritie, yea oure whole
englishe nation, and all good men, to the perpetuall memorie
off your names, shalhe bownde vnto yow for this great
benefit. We might haue vsed moo wordes in this narration,
for we feared not, that we shulde lake reasons, but rather that
tyme shulde faile yow, letted with more serious busines.
Therfore, we by theis thinges, leaue the reste to the considera-
tion ofF your wisdomes.

The 22. off Marche maister Glauburge came to the En-
glishe Churche and shewed the congregation, that it was
commaunded them, by the magistrates (when by his procure-
ment the church was graunted) that they shulde agree withe
the frenche churche bothe in Doctrine and ceremonies, and
that they vnderstood howe the fallinge from that order had
bred muche dissention amonge them. Therfore, he straitly
charged and commaunded that from thenc foorthe they shulde
not dissent from that order, yff they did, as he had opened
the churche dore vnto them, so woulde he shutte it againe.
And that suche as woulde not obey therunto shulde not tarie
within that citie, willinge them to consulte together owte off
hande and to geue him an answere before he departed. D.
Coxe, then spake to the congregation in this wise, I haue
(saithe he) redd the frenche order and do thinke it to be bothe
good and godly in all pointes, and therfore wished them to
obaie the magistrates commaundement, wherupon the whole
congregation gaue consent, so as before the Magistrate de-
parted the churche, D. Coxe, leuer, and whittingham made
reporte vnto him accordingly. D. Coxe also at that presente
requested that it woulde please him, notwithstandinge their
ill behauiour, to shewe vnto them his accustomed fauor and
goodnesse, whiche he moste iently and louinglie promised.

At the nexte meetinge off the congregation that order was
put in practise, to the comforte and reioycinge off the moste
parte. Neuertheles, suche as woulde so faine haue had the
booke of England, lefte not the matter thus. And for that they

cused off
treason.

XLIIII.

sawe Knox to be in suche credit withe many off the congre-
gation, they firste off all assaied by a moste cruell barbarous
and bloudie practise to dispatche him owte off the waie, to
thende they might withe more ease attaine the thinge whiche
they so gredely sought, whiche was the placinge of their
booke. They had amonge them a booke off his intituled an
admonition to Christians written in the English tonge, wherin
by occasion he spake off the Emperour, off Philip his sonne,
and off Marie then Queene off Englande. This booke cer-
teine off them presented to the Magistrates, who (vpon re-
ceipte off the same) sente for whittingham and asked him off
Knox their Minister, what manner off man he was : whitting-
ham answered that suche a one their was amonge them and to
Knox ac- his knowledge bothe a lerned, wise, graue and godly man.
Then one off the Magistrates saied vnto him, certaine off your
countrie men haue accused him vnto vs Lcesce Maiestatis Im-
peratorice, that is off hightreason againste the Emperour, his
The places sone, and the Queene off England, here is the booke, and
inattwere ^ piaces wniche they haue noted, the true and perfect sence
wheroff we commaunde yow ( sub pena pads) to bringe vnto
vs in the latten tonge at one off the clock in the after noone,
which thinge he did accordingly, at whiche time (after certeine
communication amonge themselues, they commanded that
Knox shulde preache no more till their pleasure were farther
knowen. The wordes concerninge the Emperour were theis,
spoken in the pulpit in a Towne off Buchingham sheere in
the beginninge off Queene Maries raigne, as by the saied
booke apearethe where it is saied : O Englande Englande, yff
thow wylte obstinately returne into Egipte, that is, yff thow
cotracte mariage, confederacy, or leage with suche princes as
doo maintaine and aduaunce ydolatrie, suche as the Em-
perour (who is no lesse enemie to Christ then was Nero) yff
for the pleasure and frindship (T saie) of such princes thow
returne to thine oulde abhominations before vsed vnder Pa-
pistery : then assuredly (O England) thow shalt be plaged and
brought to desolation by the meanes off those whose fauour

XLV.

thow sekeste, and by whom thow arte procured to fall from
Christe and seme antechriste. There were other 8. places,
but this was most noted, in that it touched the Emperour.
But it seemed the magistrates abhorred this bloudly, cruel),
and outragious attempt, for that when as certeine off Knox his
enemies folowed hardly the Magistrates to knowe what shuld
be donne with him, they did not onely shewe most euident
signes of dislikinge their vnnaturall suite, but also sent for
maister Williams and Whittingham, willinge them, that maister
Knox shuld departe the City. For otherwise, (as they saide) ^|j^
they shuld be forced to deliuer him, yff the Emperour his off Knox.
counsaile (whiche then lay at Ausburge) shuld vppon like in-
formation send for him.

The 25 off marche maister Knox the night before his de-
parture made a moste comfortable sermon at his lodginge to
50. persons or there abowte, then present, which sermo was of
the deathe and resurrection off Christe, and of the vnspeakable
ioyes whiche were prepared for Goddes electe, whiche in
this liffe suffre trouble and persecution for the testimonie off
his blessed name. The next daie he was brought 3. or 4. mile
in his waie by some off those vnto whom the night before, he
had made that exhortation, who with great heauines off harte
and plentie off teares comitted him to the lorde.

The verie same daie beinge the 26. off marche one Adul- Mam off
phus Glauburge (A Doctor off lawe and nephew to Maister mcn were
Iohn Glauburge the Senator) whom D. Cox and the rest had^c^
wonne vnto them, sent for wittin^ham^ and tolde him that places.
there were presented to the Magistrates thre Docters, 13.
batchelers off deuinitie besides others, and that the magistrates
at their suites had graunted them the full vse off the Englishe
booke comaunding and charginge him therfore not to medle
any more to the contrary, for (as he saied) it was fullie con-
cluded that so it shuld be. And supposing that Whittingha This Adul
woulde let it what he might, the next daie againe he sent for pkus was
him home to his howse where he gaue the like charge (D. Coxe t££a
and other present by whose procurement the same was donne) great/ar-

therer off
the churche
and the
orders off
the same
howe so
euer he
was turn-
ed.

XLVI.

Whittingham answered, that yfF it were so concluded, he
woulde willingly obaie, not dowtinge, but that it might be
lawful for him and others to ioine themselues to some other
churche. But D. Coxe besought the lawier that it might not
so be suffred, wherto whittingham answered that it woulde be
to great crueltie to force men contrary to their consciences to
obaie all their disorderly doinges, offringe, that iff it woulde
please the Magistrates to geue him and others the hearinge,
they would dispute the matter against all the contrary parte
and proue that the order whiche they sought to establishe,
ought not to take place in anie reformed churche. The D. off
lawe made a plaine answere that disputation there shulde be
none, vsing his former wordes off charging and commaundinge
not to deale farther in that matter.
^foct % Wlien as tne congregation harde off the cruell and more
fh%CEn- then tirannicall dealinges off this Doctor, Maister Gilby and

mideoffti'°theYS withe him' were sente t0 maister lohn Glawburge (by
reiecting whose commaundment as ye harde, they had receiued the
thother. frencne order) puttinge him in remembrance off the same and
shewinge him that certeine lately come among the had sought
(as they were crediblie enformed) to ouerthrowe their churche
by placing the Englishe booke amonge them. To this maister
Glauburg made answere, that he was enformed howe that
bothe partes were full agreed and contented, and that therup-
Marckthis pon he had committed the whole matter to the lawier his
cousen. Then he asked for whittingham : it was answered
that strait charge was geuen him that he shuld medle no more
in that matter. The magistrate asked againe off whom he had
that commaundement, and when it was tolde him that the
Doctor his cousen had geuen him that charge, he then began,
verie gentlie to perswade with maister Gilby and the rest
that they shulde be contented, and he would se that nothino-e
shulde be vsed but that which shuld be tollerable, and so
maister Gilby withe the rest departed.

The 28. off marche D. Coxe assembled all suche as had
byn Priests and Ministers in Englande to his lodging and

XLVII.

there declared howe the Magistrates had graunted them the
vse off the Englishe booke, and that he thought requisite that
they shulde consulte together, whom they thought moste At UngU
meete to be Bishop, Superintendent or Pastor withe the rest off^onihe
the officers, as Seniors Ministers and Deacons. Wherunto ™*<me Pas~
maister Christopher Goodma answered that his opini5 was,
that they ought first to agree vpon some perfect an[d] godly
order for the churche, and therto to haue the cosent of the con-
gregation wherby it might appeere, that they contemned not
die reste off their brethern : And farther, to proceade to the
electio which he thought also ought not to be attempted with-
owte the consent off the whole churche. To this was answered
that for the order, it was already determined, and other order
then the booke off Englande they shulde not haue, so that
the perswasions off Goodman nothinge at all preuailed nether
in one thinge or other, yea, the proceadings off sundrie
personnes (whiche I coulde name) were suche as if there had
bin nether orders, officers, or churche there, before their com-
minge, or any promes to be kepte off their partes, after they
came, as maie more plainly apeere to the reader by this letter
folowinge, written by maister Whittingham to a frinde off
his in Englande, whiche letter is (off his owne hande) to be
seene.

Grace, mercy and peace thr ought Christ
our lorde.

As yow require a brieff answere to your shorte letter, so An an-

• -r • i 1 1 p ,1 swere to a

nether tyme permitteth, nor I intend to trouble yow farther ldter sent
then the verie necessitie off the matter askethe. And flrste, himmvte

. . . q/f h.v(j-

for that ye seeme to hange in suche extreame perplexitie, \and.
partly, bicause of sundry talkes, and diuers letters off men off
good credit which causethe yow not a litle to merueile, and
partly, by reason off the Good opinion once conceyued and
yet reteined off certeine persons bothe godly and lerned, whiche
maketh yow to dowte : I think it beste, briefly and simplie

XLvnr.

to open a fewe chieff pointes vppon the whiche the reste off
the matter dependethe. After certeine monethes that we had
here liued in great consolation and quietnes it chaunced that
as oure nomber did increase, so some entred in, whiche busi-
lie vndermined oure libertie and labored to ouerthrowe oure
discipline, whiche troubles grewe at lenght in so great quan-
titie, that by the greatest parte it was concluded, that no man
shulde neede here after to subscribe to anie discipline for
as muche as they presupposed that none would come hither
whiche shulde haue nede therofF. Whiche donne, they altered
oure orders in praiers and others thinges, thinkinge to bringe
in place the full vse off the great Englishe booke, whiche
notwithstandinge, by reason off diuers imperfectios we coulde
not admit, so that to growe to a common concord it was
agreed and the name off god inuocated that the whole matter
shulde be referred, to maister Caluin Maister Musculus
Maister Martir, Maister Bullinger and Maister Viret that
bothe partes shulde drawe their orders and that to be receyued
whiche by the iudgements off theis 5. excellent men shuld be
thought moste agreable to a reformed churche. In the meane
time euerie man to stand content withe that order whiche was
then agreed vpd and vsed. But within fewe daies after,
this determinati5 was broken. A stranger craftely brought in
to preache, who had bothe byn at masse and also subscribed to
blasphemous Articles, Many tauntinge bitter sermons were
made (as they thought) to oure defacinge, in so moche, as
maister Knox beinge desired therunto off diuers, was inforced
to purge him self in sundrie pointes, and spake his mind freely
in the pulpit, aswell in reprouinge certeine partes off the En-
glishe booke, as declaringe the punishmente off God whiche
partly had light vpon oure countrie for slacknes in Religion,
so as they seemed to take the matter so to harte that by their
false delation in accusinge him before the Magistrates off
treason againste the Emperour and the Queene in a certeine
boke off his written to oure countrie men off England he was
commaunded to departe.

XLIX.

And the Magistrates vnderstandinge their fetches, and
greedy cerchinge off their owne glorie (who seemed to spare
no kinde off contention to purchase the same) commaunded
that we shulde receiue the frenche order (whiche is accord-
inge to the order off Geneua the pureste reformed churche in
Christendome (Wherupon all agreed and D. Coxe with others
commendinge the same to the congregation) gaue thankes to
the Magistrate in all oure names. Here yow maie note their
double faces, who, bearinge the Magistrate in hande that they
receyued his comaundement ioyfully, priuily practised, and
so laboured vnder hande, that they made this Magistrate
vnsaie, and so obtained their booke, promisinge notwith-
standinge, bothe to the Magistrate, and certaine off the con-
gregation, as well to proue by the worde off God so muche
off the booke as they woulde vse, as also to set forthe the
same in writtinge, that they (before the forsaied order shulde
be chaunged) might iudge off the equitie theroff. But pre-
ferringe the ioye off their vnhoped victorie before their pro-
messe, did nether the one bycause they coulde not, nether the
other bicause they durste not. And yet haue they not made
an ende off their triumphe. For beginninge in marche not
onely to neglecte all orders in the election' off their Ministers
and other officers, but also to skoff and taunte others in their
dailie sermons, do not yet ceasse as nowe appearethe by their
slanderous and lyinge letters.

But to thende we might be deliuered from this vnsupport-
able yoke, God off his mercy hathe prouided better for vs,
and for this incommoditie hathe graunted vs a double benefit
in so muche that contrary to their hope he hathe not onely
at Basill moued the Magistrates hartes towardes vs in graunt-
inge vs a churche, but also at Geneua, where as Gods worde
is truly preached manners beste reformed and in earthe the
chiefest place off true comforte. Thus in fewe lines I haue
gon abowte to satisfie your requeste bearinge with tyme
whiche hasteth and also folowinge mine owne Iudgement,
whiche perswadeth me rather to geue yow a taste of thinges

L.

(whiche I moued in conscience wryte as moste true) then to
fill yow with the whole discours, whiche, iff this maie not
suffice, yow maie by continuaunce haue at your commaunde-
ment. Pray for vs brother in this oure banishement, that
the frutes off this vncorruptible seede maie springe moste
abundantly, as we praie cotinually that oure heauenly father
woulde so strengthen yow with his spirite off boldenes, that
yow maie not onely resiste, but also triumphe ouer all your
enymies to the glorie off God and the confusio off the
aduersaries. Knowe before yow iudge, and beleue not all
fleinge tales, keepe one eare open and reporte the beste.

Your William Whittingham.

Where as maister whittingham in this his letter makethe
mention off a churche graunted them bothe at Basill and
Geneua, it is to be noted that he himself! was the man whiche
the oppressed congregation required to trauel therin and
through goddes great mercy obtained it with great fauour,
who (in his iourney) passed by Zurik to knowe off Maister
Bullinger what he thought off the booke off Englande for
that he (who had raported to maister Williams, Whittingham.
Gilbie and others, thai Cranmer Bishop off Canterbury had
drawen vp a booke off praier an hundreth tymes more per-
fect then this that we nowe haue, the same coulde not take
place, for that he was matched withe suche a wicked clergie
and conuocation, with other enymies) Euen he, I saie, yet
stood in this that maister Bullinger did like well off thinglishe
order, and had it in his study. But when Whittingham had
demaunded that question, Bullinger tolde him, that indede
Maister H. and Maister C. asked his iudgemente concern -
inge certeine pointes off that booke, as Surples, priuate
baptisme. Churchinge off wemen, the ring in manage, with
suche like, whiche, (as he saied) he allowed not, and that
he nether coulde yff he woulde, nether woulde yff he might,

LI.

vse the same in his churche, what so euer had byn re-
ported.

Whittingham passinge from thence to Geneua, maister
Caluin shewed him a letter sent from D. Coxe and from 24.
more off Franck. in whiche letter, they partly excused them
seines that they put order in their churche withowte his
cousaile asked, and partely reioyclge for that they had (as they
saide) brought the moste parte that had withstande their
doynges to their opinion, which not withstandinge, was farr
otherwise.

They wrote also, that they had elected a pastour, 2. Minis-
ters. 4. Seniors, and 2. Deacons, &c. but howe parciallie they
proceaded in their elections (those that were in office, nether
discharged, nor yet their consents required) I leaue to the
consciences off them whiche sawe those disorders.

To this letter off thers the contentes wheroff are aboue
touched, maister Caluin answerethe in this wise.

To the worshippfull my louinge brethern in the lorde
maister Richard Coxe and the rei
whiche nowe remaine at Frankford.

maister Richard Coxe and the rest off the Englishemen

Paraduenture I answere your letter (worship, frinds and
brethern) more slowlie then ether ye hoped or looked for, but
for so muche as ye knowe the wayes for a tyme so to be
beset withe theues that no messenger allmoste coulde passe
from hence to yow the excuse of my long delay towardes yow
shalbe the easier.

I expressed my minde frankly to oure beloued brother
Thomas Sampson, off that wheroff I was enformed by the
letters off certeine men as touchinge the contention vnluckelie
stirred vp amonge yow. For certene off my frindes founde
the selues greued that yow woulde so preciselie vrge the cere-
monies off Englande, wherby it might appeere that ye are
more geuen and addicte to your countrie then reason woulde.
I confesse that I harde certeine reasons alledgod on your

LII.

behalff whicbe woulde not suffer yow to departe from the re-
ceyued order, but they might be soone and easilie confuted.
Nowe, as I counsailed mine owne frindes whiche dissented
from yow, somewhat to yelde, yff they might conueniently, so
it offended me that there was nothinge graunted or relented
on your partes. Bicause there was no man named vnto me,
I durste not entreprise to medle with the matter, leaste my
credit shuld incurre the suspecte off rashenes. Nowe that ye
are more myleder and tractable in this controuersie and that
ye haue (as ye saie) stilled the matter withe quietnes, I am
verie glad.

Verely no man well instructed or off a sounde Iudgement,
will deny (as I think) that lights and crossings or suche like
trifles, sprange or issued owte off superstition, wherupon I am
perswaded that they whiche reteine- theis ceremonies in a free
choise, or when they maie otherwise doo, they are ouer greedy
and desyrous to drink off the dregges nether do I se to what
purpose it is to burthen the churche with tryfflinge and vn-
profitable ceremonies, or as I maie terme them with their
propre name, hurtefull and offensible ceremonies, when as
there is libertie to haue a symple and pure order. But I
keepe in and refraine my selff leaste I shulde seeme to be-
ginne to moue a newe contention off that matter whiche as
yow reporte, is well ended.

All good men will allowe the Pastours and other Ministers
elections with common voices, so that none complaine that
the other parte off the churche was oppressed fraudulently
and with craftye practises. For it standethe your wisedomes
in hande to consider, that howe muche commoditie the good-
nesse off the Senate dothe deserue, so muche enuie shall yow
be giltie off, or charged withall, yf yow haue abused their
lenitie or gentlenesse, whiche were so well affected towardes
your nation. Yet, I woulde not haue this so taken, that I go
abowte to be preiudiciall to anie man but I had rather shewe
plainely what maie be saide, then to norishe an ill opinion by
silence, or in holdinge my peace. But certenly, this one thinge

LIII.

I cannot keepe secret, that Maister Knox was in my iudge-
men[t] nether godly nor brotherly dealt withall, iff he were ac-
cused by the subtill suggestion of certeine, it had byn better
for them to haue taried still in their owne lande then vniustly
to haue brought in to fair countries the fierbrande off crueltie
to set on fier those that woulde not be kindled.

Notwistandinge, because it greueth me to speak sleightly
off theis euells, the remembrance wheroff I woulde wishe
to be buryed in perpetuall forgetfullnes : therfore, I onely
counsaile yow (not withowt a cause) to be wounded, that ye
applie your selues to make them amendes for the faulte com-
mitted.

When I harde that the one parte was minded to departe They begin
fro thens : I earnestly admonished them (as it became me) PreteW'
that iff they coulde not well remaine there, that the distance
off place shulde not dissipate, or rent in sunder their brotherly
agrement, for I feared muche least that some priuie grudge
off the former contention remained. And certainely, nothinge
coulde more comforte my harte, then to be delyuered from
this feare. For iff anie haplie come to vs, it woulde grieue
me that there shulde be (as it were) but a suspition off any
secret debate betwene yow.

Therfore as touchinge that ye haue written off your agre-
ment I desier that it maie be firme and stable that iff it
chaunce the one parte to go to an other place, yet, that yow
beinge so sundred by distance off places maie keepe sure the
holie bande off amitie, for the fault alreadie committed is to
muche, although thorowgh discorde it creepe no further.
Wherfore it shall well beseeme your wisedomes (that ye maie
be frinds) to purge diligentlie what so euer remainethe off
this breache. Fare ye well brethern, the lorde succour yow
with his aide, and gouerne yow with his spirite, powre his
blessinges vpon yow and mittigate the sorowe off your exile.
From Geneua this last off maie. Anno 1555.

Your Iohn Caluin.

LITII.

Bycause that Maister Caluin in his letter maketh mention
offlightes, some might gather that he was vntruely enformed,
that in the Englishe booke lightes were prescribed (the con-
trary wheroff appeareth by the description before) where it is
manifest to such as be lemed that he vsethe the figure auxesis,
and that this is his argument, a maiore ad minus, for so muche
as lightes and crossinges be 2. off the moste auncienstest cere-
monies, hauinge continued in the churche aboue 13 hundreth
yere, are yet for suche causes abolished : howe muche more
ought all other, that haue not had the like continuance, and
yet abused, be vtterly remoued.

And for that maister Caluin in this letter earnestly wished
that all strife shulde ceasse, and that yfF anie were minded to
departe their departure might be suche, as all occasions off
offence might be cut of and cleane take awaie : it was thought
good to suche as were determined to go awaie with in 3.
weekes after, to folowe his counsaile. And the rather for that
some whiche tooke them selues, to be lerned, had openly termed
their departure a sisme, whervpon, they wrote to the pastor
Ministers, and whole congregation this letter folowinge and
deliuered it in the open congregation.

For so muche as through the benefit off God, we haue ob-
tained a churche in an other place, we thought it good to
aduertise yow of the same. And to the intent that not onely
slanderous reportes maie ceasse, but also, iff anie offence be
either taken or geuen, the same maie come to triall, we desier
that yow for your parte woulde apointe 2. Arbyters and we
shall appointe other 2. Who hearinge our matters throughly
opened maie witnes where the faulte restethe, at whiche time,
we will vndertake, to defende oure departure to be lawful]
contrary to the slanderous reportes off some which vnlernedly
terme it a schisme. Thus farre brethern we thought good to
signifie vnto yow, thinkinge this to be the onely meanes of
oure mutuall quietnes wheroff howe desirous we are, our tedi-
ous and chargeable iourney maie be a sufficient profTe, beinge
throughly perswaded, that hereby stryfe maie be ended charitie

LV.

reuiued, frindshipe continued, Goddes glory aduaunced, and
oure brethern edified. Fare ye well this 27. off August.

William Williams Thomas Wood John Escot

William Whittingham William Kcthe. Thomas Crofton

Anthony Gilby him Kelke. William Walton

Christopher Goodman. John Hilton. Laurence Kent

Thomas Cole. Christ. Soothous John Hollingham

John Fox. Nicholas Purfote Anthony Carier.

When the Pastour had redd this letter openly to the con-
gregation and was desired to knowe when they shulde haue
an answere, he saied vnto them that so farre as he perceiued,
it required none but that whiche might presently be made,
whiche was, that they might departe seinge they were so
minded. It was replied that for so muche as it was manifest
that they had byn slaundered not onely by letters into diuers
partes, but also, by some that then were present, who had
affirmed their departure to be a schisme, and farther, that
they coulde finde no indifferency at their handes : it was
thought necessarie to commit the hearinge off that controuersie
to lerned and indifferent iudges, by bothe partes to be chosen
wherby the faulte might appear where it was indede, and so
they either excused or founde giltie.

D. Cox, at lenght, tolde them that their letter shulde be
considered off, and an answere shulde' be geuen them the
fridaie after. On fridaie the 30. off Auguste bothe partes
mette : The Pastor (accompanied with the Ministers and
elders) spake this vnto them. It seemeth very fonde that
arbytrers shuld be apointed to take vpp strife that maic come
hereafter, as your letter signifieth. And furthermore, ye write,
yff anie offence be taken or geuen, whiche semethe as strange,
for this worde (yff) importethe a dowte, so that yff ye dowte
it is but follie to apointe arbitres. fynally, to excuse your de-
parture, yow call them vnlerned whiche iudge it a schisme but

d 2

LVI.

(saithe he) terme it as yow liste yet can yow not let men to
think. And yff arbitres shuld pronounce it to be none, yet
mennes opinions will be diuers.

Now therfore, your answere shall be, that iff anie man be
offended either with any priuate ma, or publiquely, let him
or them complaine to vs, or yff they refuse vs, to the Magis-
tral

As for Arbitres, we will appoint none. Then spake whit-
tinffham and saied that it was to him no small wonder that

o

men of suche leminge and wisedome shuld so shrink in a
moste equall requeste, and so, withowte all reason to cauill
where no matter was offred. For, as concerninge (saithe he)
the firste pointe, it was not vnknowen to them that at that
time, thorough their occasion, their was no small contention,
and that seinge they had geuen such offence it coulde not be
but that mennes mindes were moued.

And therfore, to thende that contention shulde growe no
farther, Arbytres were very necessary, who neded not to
deliberate (as he saied) off thinges to come whiche were vn-
certeine : but as the letter truly purported), off iniuries longe
agoo begonne, yet continued, and here after not like to be
ended excepte some good meane were vsed to staie their
slanderous letters and false reportes, to the vtter perishinge
Wittingha an(j ]ose 0ff mennes Good names. And where ye seeme to
rupted. be ofended that the letter shulde call them vnlerned, whiche
terme oure departure a schisme (yow omitt saide D. Coxe the
2. pointe, whiche is off no small importaunce) to whom he
answered that he thought he did them a pleasure in omittinge
thincres of so small value, notwithstandinge, he woulde obaie
his will but (saithe he) as touchinge this worde vnlernedly, it
was not vnaduisedly placed. For either they be withowte
lerninge, and therfore maie be so called in dede, or yff they
beare the name off lerninge, yet in this they shewed their
vnskilfulnes for as muche as euery departure from a congre-
gation was not a schisme, nether were anie that departed for
iuste causes schismatikes as we (saith he) will proue vnto yow,

LVII.

yff yow will take oure reasonable and moste equall offre.
Naie, saithe the pastor, Arbitres in this point can litle availe
for be it they iudged it none, yet mennes thoughts are free,
and we knovve that all men be not off one mynde in sacraments
and predestination, shulde men therfore take abitres ? Also
saith he maister Caluin and Bullinger, are against yow. To
this was answered, that thoughtes, yff they were not grownded
vpon Goddes worde, were euell, neither was this controuersie
off like force withe the matter off the Sacraments and pre-
destination, notwithstanding, vvoulde to God that not onely
the difference in those articles but also in all other whiche be
of waight and importaunce might be decided by the authoritie
off Goddes worde and arbytrement off godly lerned men.
But men maie iustly suspecte your cause to be nought whiche
refuse the iudgments off the wise and godly.

And where yow saie that Caluin and Bullinger are
againste vs, yow abuse your selff and there names, for
we knowe bothe what they and other wryte as touchinge this
matter.

Then the Pastor asked what schisma was but a cuttinge off'
from the body, and that it was Caluins definition. To this
Whittingham answered that he woulde vndertake firste, to
prone that definition to be false, and secondly to be none
off Caluins definition for yff euery cuttinge off from the body
shulde be a schisme, then yow and all other whiche once had
sworne to the pope and now haue refused him are schisma-
tiques. Then the pastor added, from a churche well reformed.
Answere was made that a churche well reformed muste be
builded vppon the doctrine off the Prophetes and Apostles,
the vnitie wheroff S. Paule comprehendeth in theis wordes :
one god, one faithe, one baptisme, not beggerly ceremonies
and obscurations, although that sundry causes besides moued
them to departe. Then Maister Treherren, asked whither
the donatists were not schism atiques.

Yes, saith Whittingham and also heretiques, but yow arc
decerned yff yow thinke that they seperated them seines

LVIII.

for ceremonies. It is manifest said Treherren, that the
churches off Asia were excommunicate as schismatiques for
that they kepte not Easter at the same time that the Romaine
churche did. And it is no lesse euident said Whitthingham
that Ireneus and other godly men aswell off that time, as
sithens haue sharply reproued and condemned Pope Victor
for the same.

Here D. Coxe put Whittingham in remembraunce that
he had not answered to the faultes off the letter. Whitting-
ham tolde him, that as touchinge that poore worde (yff) he
marueled howe it coulde Minister anie cauillation, seinge, the
text ioininge therto was so plaine, whiche declarethe bothe
the offences by yow geuen and by vs taken. And also your
consciences beare yow witnes, the thinge to be moste true
excepte a man will be wilfully blinde, and finde a knot in a
rushe, so that that worde (yf) mente not that we do, dowte
who were oppressed with infinit wronges, but iff they woulde
dissemble so farre that they might seeme to dowte theroff, yet,
at the leaste, they woulde abide the tryall theroff before theis
Arbitres. But here the disputation brake vp with this plaine
and finall answere that arbitres they shuld haue none, and
that yff they founde themselues greued, they shulde seeke
remedy where they thought Good and he the Pastor withe the
reste off the congregation woulde answere them.

The nexte daie the Pastour, D. Coxe, maister parry and
maister Asheley sent for Whittingham, Thomas Cole, Iohn
Fox, William Kethe, Roger harte, Iohn Hilton with certeine
other, demandinge off them what shulde be the cause off their
departure. Whittingham made answere that the daie before
they had declared sufficiently, and yet woulde farther shewe
reasons, yff they would permit the controuersie to Arbytre-
ment. And to the intent they shulde not counterfait ignorance
(amonge other) theis were some causes : firste, their breach
off promes, established with inuocation off goddes name :

2. Their ordreles thrustinge themselues in to the churche.

3. Takinge awaie the order off discipline established before

LIX.

their comminge and placinge no other. 4. The accusasion off
maister Knox their godly Minister off Treason and seekinge
his bloude. 5. Their ouerthrowinge off the common order,
taken and commaunded by the Magistrate. G. The displacinge
off officers withowte anie cause alleadged. 7. The bringing
in off Papisticall superstitions and vnprofitable Ceremonies
whiche were burthens yokes and clogges, besides other thinges,
whiche, yff they woulde abide the triall they shulde heare at
large. When he and some off the rest had rendred their
reasons for their departure to this effecte, certaine warme
wordes passed to and fro from the one to the other, and so in
some heate departed.

Not many daies after the oppressed churche departed from
Franck. to Basill and Geneua, some stayinge at Basill as
maister Fox with other. The rest came to Geneua where
they were receiued withe great fauour and mutche curtesie,
bothe off the magistrates Ministers and people. So soone as
they entred their churche, they chose Knox and Goodman
for their Pastor, and Gilby requested to suplie the rome till
Knox returned owte off france.

The lerned men whiche came from all places to Frank,
abowte this matter (when they had donne that whiche they
came for, they returned againe from whens they came, and
some to other places, where they might saue charges, and not
to be either burthened or bownde to the exercises of the con-
gregation, so that, the exile whiche was to many a poore man
full bitter, greuous and painefull, was (to some off the greatest
persecutours off their poore brethern) as it were, a pleasant
progresse or recreation.

But nowe it shall be necessary to declare what order was
taken in this newe erected congregation for the prosperous
continuance off the same, whiche thinge to do, I cannot by a
better meane then placinge here this letter folowinge whiche
maister cole (late deane off Sarum) wrote to a frinde off his,
whiles yet Tie staied (behinde his company) in Franck. amonge
them, his letter is yet to be seene.

d 4

LX.

The holie spirit off God that guideth the children off
God in truthe and godlines be your comforte thorough
oure mercies seate Iesus Christe, now and for euer
Amen.

The tempeste off the swellinge seas whiche in timespaste
thretned shipwrack to euery vessell that sailed with a faire
winde and full sailes to the porte off blessed truthe, whiche
off her selffe is stronge ynoughe, with owte anye barr or wall
off mannes inuentions, are somewhat (the lorde be praised)
caulmed to me warde, so that withowt farther reasoninge
they permit me to my conscience as touchinge their ceremo-
nies.

The cause I iudge is not for that they beare lesse loue to
them then in tymes past, but that they perceiue the sturdy
defendinge off them, to worke them that they looke not for,
or rather, that whiche they are lothe to se, namely, the de-
creasinge off their companie : yet they labour with policie
what they maie or can, to preuent this daunger but yet that
whiche they feare, I suppose will fall vpon them, vnlesse god
geue them to repent their olde faultes and humble them more
to knowe them selues.

They haue set vp an vniuersitie to repaier againe their
estimation by mainteinance of lerninge (whiche surely is well
done) that was fondly brought in decaie by willful! ignorance,
in defendinge off ceremonies, to the whiche Maister home
is chosen to be the reader off the Hebrue lecture, Maister
Mullings off the Greke, and Maister Treherren when he is
stronge, shall take the diuinitie lecture in hande. Maister
Whitthead was appointed therunto but bicause he woulde
escape the labour off the lecture (for iuste causes as he saide)
he forsooke the pastorall office also, stowtly (as yow knowe)
denyinge to be in office anie longer. Great holde there was
abowte this matter in the congregation, in so muche as they
hasted to a newe election, and verie fewe (as it semed) were
off a contrary minde, no, not his owne frindes sauinge

LXI.

Maister' makebray and Maister Sorby, who desired him to
take respit, and the congregation to geue it. But some look-
inge for the office themselues woulde not in suche a matter
suffer delay, but againe Demaunded off Maister Whithead
whither he woulde keepe his office or no supposirige that
he whiche had so stowtely denied it in worde, woulde not
soone be flexible to the contrary. But he perceauinge that
some woulde haue had him owte on the one side, and by
leauinge off it, his estimation was like to decaie on the
other "side, (for many rough wordes were geuen him) when
occasion off intretie was offred, non respuit conditionem by
that meanes bringinge to him selfe wittily, a triple com-
moditie, one, the preuentinge off them whiche looked for the
office, an other, the refusall off the diuinitie lecture, Thirdly,
a faster growndinge himselff in that office, whiche he lefte
in mouthe, but as it semed, not in harte. Thus ended that

comedie.

But shortly after (notwithstandinge a vehement sermon
made for the purgation from mannes inuentions) the seas
bemn againe to swell, (so fickle an element is water) for
Maister Kent hauinge a childe to Christen purposinge to haue
it done simplie, withowte the bewtifinge off mennes traditions,
came with his childe accordinge to the frenche order whiche
we once receiued, and one to holde it there to professe Ins
faith yff it were required, but the pastor denied the Christen-
ing vnles 2. Godmothers were had after the order off the
booke, as concerninge the Godfather, Maister Makebray
(who is nowe comme to that office) supplied it. A lucky
matter is attained at Wezell in Westphalia, an open churche
for oure Englishe men, to whiche bicause off nighnesse) they
feare many will go from hence, but moo wil come owte oft
Englande to yt. I pray yow commende me to M. 1 ell
him that Maister wisedom railed on them that were gon
to G. Callinge them mad heades with many pretye names,
I will not saie vnwysely, But I mave well say vnchantably,

D O

LXII.

in whiche Sermon, he shewed him selff an Antagonist for
the booke off Englande, &c.

Your Thomas Cole.

Shortly after thies thinges to wete, the 6. off Ian. When
as maister Whithead gaue vpp off his owne good will, as he
saide, the pastorall office, Maister home was in the election
to succede him, who protested that he woulde not medle
therwith, till he were cleared off certeine suspitions which
some had bruted to the discredit off his ministerie, and obtain-
inge his requeste, he withe the Seniors entred the churche the
first off marche Anno Domini 1556. were they receiued all
such persons (as members off that churche) which were con-
tented to subscribe and submit themselues to the orders off
the same. From whiche tyme forward the troubles and con-
tentions were so sore amonge them, that who so shall well waie
it with due consideration, I ween, he shall think it to be the
iuste iudgement off our righteous God that fell vpon them,
for supplantinge a churche there before them in great quietnes
and off muche sinceritie.

The historie of that sturre and strife which was in the

Englishe church at Franckford from the 13. daie

off Ian. Anno Domini 1557.

forwarde.

There fell a certeine controuersie the xiij. daie off Ian.
at supper betwene Maister Home the Pastor and Maister
Asheley whiche controuersie was handled, with somewhat more
sharpe wordes then was meete, but yet they so departed, by
the industrie and labour off some certeine persons, that they
dranke wyne one to an other, and all that strife and con-
tention was thought to be wholie taken awaie. Afterward,
to witt, the 16. daie off Ian. at one off the clock in the after

LXIII.

noone, thre off thelders sent for Maister Asheley in to an
howse off one off the Elders and they began to debate the
matter with him touchinge an iniurye done, not to the pastor
alone, but to all the Elders (as they affirmed) and to their
ministery which thinge, Maister Asheley denied that he euer
did at any tyme.

The next daie beinge the 17. off Ian. After that publique
praiers were ended, Maister Asheley was by the Pastor and
all the Elders called into the churche, and there, in the name
off them all it was obiected vnto him, that he had spoken vpon
the 13. daie off Ian. in supperwhile, certeine wordes tendinge
to the slander off them and their ministery.

Ashely answered that he perceiued and vnderstood that
they all were offended as in their owne matter, and that ther-
fore he woulde not answere before them as competent iudges
off the cause, but would referre the cause, that he had against
the Pastor and them (seinge they shewed them selues an
aduersarie parte to him) to the whole churche and Ecclesi-
asticall discipline. Then the Pastor exhorted him that he
would not so proceade, for yff he so did, that then they were
minded to seeke and demaunde helpe off the magistrate agaynst
him : After that the 24. off Ian. Asheley himselff handled his
owne cause in his owne name before the pastor and. elders,
and the in the afternoone, he sent 2. me of the churche who,
in his name require the pastors and elders that they would not
proceed against him in that cause, wherin they themselues
were a parte, and therfore not fitt or competent iudges, but to
geue ouer the whole matter to 8. or 10. men vpright in con-
science and inclininge to nether parte, by whose iudgementes,
iff he were founde in faulte, he woulde willingly submit him-
selff to all Ecclesiasticall discipline. Answere was made him
by the Pastor in the name off them all, that they had receiued
their authoritie from the whole churche and would reteine and
keepe the same till such time as they from whom they had
receiued it woulde againe demaunde it. And in the meane
while, they purposed to proceede thereafter againste all suche

d 6

LXI1II.

as had offended and so muche the more seuerely and sharplie
against Maister Asheley, by howe muche it might be more
profitable for the whole churche, to make him beinge a wor-
shipfull man, an ensample to others to take heed and beware
by asheley (that answere beinge receiued the 26. off Ian.
Whiche was a daie off solemne praier) fearinge those things
whiehe Home had saide before, th[r]eateninge him with the
Magistrate, when common praier was ended declared the whole
matter to the churche and desired that the churche woulde
vnderstand off the whole matter betwene the pastor and elders,
as the one partie and him selff as thother.

Wherupon certeine men did in the name off the whole
churche demaunde off the pastor and elders whither they were
a parte against Asheley. The pastor answered in all their
names that they were not a parte against him, but that Asheley
had slandered them all. Againe, it was demaunded in the
name off the churche who were his accusers, to whiche,
when the pastor answered nothinge, neither in his owne
name, nor in the name of the seniors : Asheley was comaunded
by the church publiquely and openlie to reade those things
whiche he had comprehended in wry tinge concerninge his
cause. Afterward the pastor and elders were asked wither
those things whiche Asheley had redd were true. The pastor
answered in all their names that they would not answere either
more largely or anie otherwise, to anie questions then they
had erwhile answered and so the congregation was dismissed
withowte answere, yet not with owte cotempt as was thought.
The same daie at afternoone, Maister Hales, who was absent
when theis thinges were done, vnderstanding that this matter
tended to more greuous striffe and contention, did wryte
his letters to some certeine personnes that semed desirous
off the peace off the churche, and desired, that they would
come together the nexte daie after to the churche, to con-
suite, and deliberate what were the beste waie to pacifie
this trouble and turmoile before it waxed more stronge, or
shulde be more published abroad and made better knowen to
the senate or magistrats.

LXV.

The very dryfte and purpos off the letters, together with
them that were called, as them also whiche came to the place
appointed, dothe appeere by the letters themselues, the copie
whereofT insewetlie.

The superscription.

To his brethern off the Englishe churche.

Maister Crawley Maister Nowel Maister Dauies
Maister Railton Maister Carell. Maister Benthame
Maister warcope. Maister Rente Maister Brikbeke.

Maister Faulconer Maister Kelke Maister Sutton.

Maister Christ. Hales.

Iohn Hales sendethe greetinge in the lorde.

I heare brethem, that whiche is to me greuous to heare, to
witt, that striffes are arisen in oure churche, whiche tende
either to the dissolution off the churche, or to the hurte and
destruction of the poore, wherefore I pray yow whose names
are in the superscription off the letters, that (if yow shall so
think good) we maie meete to morowe in the morninge in oure
churche, there to consulte and take aduise what maie be the
beste waie to quiete this styrre, to the glorie off God and our
owne quietnes. god geue vs his peace. This 26. of Ian. 15,57.

Your louinge brother
Iohn Hales.

I pray yow, that so many off yow as will mette at the
tyme and place apointed to put downe your names, lest
some parhap maie come in vaine.

Nowe all those whose names are before rehersed came
except maister warcope.

LXVI.

After consultation and aduise taken, it semed best to al them
that were called together and mett there, that the nexte daie
after, one off them in all their names shulde deale withe the
Pastor and elders, that sith Ashley complained that they
were aduersarie parte vnto him, they woulde suffer the churche,
or some suche certeine persons as the churche shulde ap-
point, to take knowledge off the cause, and to heare flrste
whither they were an aduersarie parte to Ashley whiche iff
they were not founde to be, then the knowledge off the matter
shuld be put back againe to the and that withe the ignominie
and shame off him that had appealed from them. But yffthey
were founde to be aduersary parte, that then it shulde seeme
vniuste, that they shuld sit in their owne cause as iudges, but
more meete and vpright it would be, that then the churche
shulde knowe and vnderstand off the whole matter, wherupon
the next daie after, that is to saie, the 18. off Ian. when
praiers were ended, the matter was proposed to the pastor
and Elders, by one apointed for that purpose. When this
counsaile was once knowe, the minister by the consent off the
Elders drew owte off his bosome a decree whiche the magis-
trate off that city had made, and redd it with a lowde voice
before the whole churche. The decree beinge redd he added
in graue wordes, that theis oure assemblies and meetinges
woulde be verie daungerous not to vs onelie but to all the
congregations off strangers, for it was greatlie to be feared
least the magistrate beinge offended withe such meetings, did
not shut vp the gates off oure churche alone, but also off
all the strange churches. And therfore that he (to thend he
might in good season prouide for suche daungers) would
surely by Ecclesiasticall discipline handle according to his de-
serte, maister Hales (who then by occasion of sicknes was ab-
sente) the author of that assemblie, and that he woulde pro-
nounce of vs generally, that if it were not schismaticall, yet,
that it did withowte dowte ted to schisme, how so euer we ex-
cused oure mindes ad purposes, moreouer he affirmed, that we
had don verie yll, in thafr we had excluded, and shut owte cer-

LXVII.

teine which came in to the church in the time off oure consulta-
tion and meetige. Answere was made in the names of the
churche, that that decree off the magistrate was by them before
bothe read ouer throughly, and also verie diligentlie waied, and
that they iiulged that decree to be most vpright and iustlie to
be feared off wicked and lewde men, such as were sectaries and
factious persons and that they did assuredly knowe that the
threats of that decree did nothinge at all concerne them who
were mett together to make peace and vnitie, and that they
for this deede did so litle feare the angre and displeasure of the
magistrats that they trusted the magistrat woulde praise the
for this matter, yfF parhappes he knewe off the thinge it selff
and that therfore they were assembled and comme together
that the whole matter might be quietlie ended amonge them-
selues and not brought before the magistrat. for where we
(saie they) were banished men, and had by the meanes off
a very good magistrate, receiued that singuler and moste ex-
cellent benefit offreste and quietnes, we shulde do that whiche
shulde be most vnfit and vnseemly for vs, iff we shulde by
occasion of our striffes and hurley burlies, trouble the ma-
gistrate, and to render vnto that verie good Magistrate vn-
quietnes, troubles and stirrs whiche shulde be verie euell
thankes, for so great a benefit off quietnes and rest as we hane
receiued. And we affirmed that we so muche the more dili-
gentlie and wilingly labored in pacifiynge and endinge this
controuersie bicause there were amongest vs certeine, who
rashly and with owte aduise, brought vnto the Magistrat all
light and small controuersies, whiche might easilie haue bin
determined and ended amonge our selfes, herein deseruinge
no fauour at all either at the handes off so Good a Magistrat,
whom they oftimes withowte cause troubled, or of their
countrie men whom they by thies their priuie complaints
and accusations did amonge strangers slander as vnquiet
and troublesome men, and that they had done no lesse dis-
pleasure to the gospell we professe, (whiche by occasion off
suche accusations, is comonlie euell spoken off amonge the

LXVIIT.

aduersaries) then to that so good a magistrate and to their
owne countrie men. And that we therfore (to thende the Ma-
gistrate might not be troubled, nor our nation slaundered as
vnquiet and troublesome, nor the worde off God through vs
euell spoken off) met together to take counsaile and auise
howe al the matter might be peaceably ended and for no other
cause or purpose. And where it was obiected that in that de-
cree off the Magistrat there was no mention at all made,
either off the whole churche, or off the authoritie off whole
churche : We answere (say they) that we do not so interprete
the Magistrats decree, as though yt were the Magistrats minde
and pleasure to take from the churche the right and authoritie
due to the Churche and make the whole Churche subiecte to
some certeine persons. For we bothe well inoughe knowe by
the example off the frenche churche in a like controuersie, and
we haue tried that so verie good a Magistrate hathe very great
care off the churche. And as concerninge Maister Hales, yt
was answered, that he was then absente, by reason off his
sicknesse, and not for feare, or that he was giltie to him selff
off any ill.

And cocerninge oure whole purpose and busines, bycause
it was said thoughe oure mynds parhaps were vpright, yet the
dede it selff was, yff not schismaticall, yet verelie tendinge to
schisme, answere was made in all our names that we woulde
render accompte aswell off oure mindes and purpose before
God, as off our dede before the whole churche, and that vnder
perill and paine off the laste punishement that Ecclesiasticall
discipline can apointe, or yff the matter so require, before
the ciuyll Magistrate in paine off oure lyffe. And as touch-
inge them that were not admitted in to the churche, to our
consultation, it was answered that we were vniustlie accused,
for that it was not a publick and common assemblie of the
whole churche. But a meetinge of some certeine persons to
consulte of that whiche might be profitable, and that therfore
they had no greater iniurie done the in not beinge at the con-
sultation to whiche they were not called or sent for, then if

LXIX.

they had not byn admitted in to some certeine priuate stoue or
hovvse. for as touching the churche, seinge it was then emptie
and voide off people, it was, as it were, a priuate howse.
Nether is euery assemblie mett there to be counted the churche.
For when the pastor or some other readeth there a lecture, or
moderateth the disputations, it is not then a church but a
scoole. And therfore, not the place, but the company off men
gathered together did make a churche or congregation. After-
wards, it was skarcely by many wordes obtained off the pastor
and Seniors, that the churche might withowt their fauour
and good will meete together for the finishing and takinge
vp off this controuersie, and vprightly determine whether
the said pastor and elders were an aduersarie parte to ashley
yea or no whiche thinge yet at the lenght the pastor and
elders graunted to the churche. And the pastor and Elders
beinge required and desired that they would together be pre-
sent with vs in the congregation, they answered that there
was no suche nede, nether that they would at anie hande
hinder vs. The next daie after, to wit, the 29. off Ian. the
pastor and Elders agreinge therto, as is saide before, when the
whole churche was mette together, maister hales, who then
was somewhat better, and was present when they began to
take aduise and cousaile, rose vp and spake to this purpose.
My brethern (saithe he) seinge I am accused of the pastor be-
fore the whole churche, as the author of schisme or of a schis-
maticall facte, or at the least tendinge to schisme, if yow also
iudge of me in like sorte I will departe oute off this companie,
as one beinge vnmeete to tarie amonge yow in this assemblie.
This beinge saide, he addressed himselff to departe, After-
wards, he was called back by all the men there assembled
and intreated to abide amongest them. Afterwards he drewe
foorthe those letters by whiche he had called certaine men to-
gether to make peace and ende the stirre, as is before saide,
and preferred them to the church to be openly redd. Whiche
letter beinge redd, that, his dede was judged off all them that
were present, bothe honest and most meete for a Christian man

LXX.

nether that anie man that had called either others to make
peace by their meetinge, was for suche a facte to be accounted
a schismatick. Then they were all desired, that seinge they
had so iudged and determined, they would appoint this their
sentence to be registred and put downe in writinge, that it
might stande in steed off a recorde and testimonye, not for
Maister Hales onely but for all other in the like case, and
with all, that this newe and present vpstartinge matter might
by their iudgemets be decided and ended least it might bringe
forth and stirre vp new contentions amonge them. Wherupon
it was put downe in wrytinge to this effecte. Iff two, foure,
eight, twelue or mo or lesse, meete in the churche when it
was voide off people, praier and other exercises, or els in pri-
uate howses to make peace betwene some members off the
churche, or to consulte off anie other thinge profitable for the
church that that their dede and acte shulde not in anie case
be iudged or esteemed vnorderlie, seditious, schismaticall, or
tendinge to schisme.

Neither that he whiche either by writinge or worde off
mouth had so called them together shulde be thought to be
the author off anie schisme or a schismaticall facte or tendinge
to schisme and diuision. And bicause nowe no place off speak-
inge in the congregation withowte offence did seeme anie
more to be left to anie man, it was ordeined the saide 29. off
Ian. that it shulde be lawfull for any man hauinge before
desired, off the pastor, elders, and whole churche licence and
libertie to speak, to shewe his iudgement and opinion in the
churche withowt any reproch off a disordered dede therfore,
so it be, that he did it godly quietlie and soberlie, yff he shulde
speake anie vngodly thinge that the it was lawfull for the pas-
tor and Seniors, or anie off them foorthwith to commaunde
him to holde his toung. The laste daie off Ian. beinge the
Sabath daie after morninge praier was ended, pardon was
offred of all priuate offences, by the pastor in his owne name
and the name off the elders to all the people off the churche ad
in likesorte the people were desired to pardon them yet in

LXXI.

suche sorte this was done that the Pastor and Elders woulde
reserue to themselues suche causes as concerned their Minis-
terie, to be pursued and followed off them. It was answered
againe in oure names off the churche that we in like sorte did
pardon all men, all priuate grudges, yet, that the churche did
accordinge to their example reserue vnto it selff publike causes
belonginge to the churche and the libertie theroff quietlie
and'Christianly to be pursued and folowed, which answere
allthoughe it were measured by the rule off that pardon and
forgeuenes whiche the pastor had before offred, yet, it did no
white at al please him whiche thing also I warrate yow he did
not dissemble. Afterwards, the pastor and elders suffered that
the same daie in the afternoone, the church shulde againe
meete, and shulde trie owte and knowe the matter betwene
them and Asheley, to wit, whither they were an aduersary parte,
to Ashley yea or no, But the Pastor and Elders beinge de-
syred that they also woulde be present, they woulde not therto
agree. Wherfore the churche beinge gathered together in the
afternoone, it was iudged by the testimonie off some meete
me and by this also, that in the whole churche there coulde no
other be founde that woulde accuse Ashley but the pastor and
elders (for it was 3. times verie diligently enquired of and
published amoge the people, that if their were anie in the
whole churche whiche either would or coulde accuse maister
Ashley, he shulde then vter it) It was I saie iudged and deter-
mined that the Pastor and Elders, were an aduersarie parte to
Maister Ashley and that therfore they were not fit and com-
petent iudges in that matter. Furthermore, it was fullie de-
creed that the Pastor and elders in suche causes as in whiche
they were an aduersary parte were not fit arbitres or iudges,
but thafsuche causes did apperteine and beloge, either to the
knowledge off the congregation or off such as the congrega-
tion woulde appointe to that purpos. And bycause the pastor
and elders haue bene oftetimes desyred to be present with vs
and yet woulde not (notwithstanding that they themselues
suffred the congregation to meete together) leaste parhapp
some deccite might be amonge many of the congregation as

LXXII.

thoughe it were not off it selff lawfull, or to small purpose to
apointe anie thinge with owte the pastor and elders (whiche
thing afterwarde tried) it was decreed that iff the pastor and
elders were required to be present at an assemblie and woulde
not come, that the assembly was laufull notwithstandinge
their absence, and that those thinges whiche they decreed
shulde be had and esteemed as a lawfull decree. Theis Eccle-
siasticall decrees and ordinaunces, whiche euen nowe we re-
hersed were subscribed vnto with the names off 33. persons
whiche is a great deale the bygger parte off the churche, and
the 2. off February were offred vpp to the pastor and Elders
in the name off the whole churche with this protestation folow-
Nowdwas inge> We Present vnto y°w theJs our decrees and ordinauces
the mouthe agreing withe right and reason and not contrary to the
«*?** llolie scl'iptures, desyringe to haue yow knowe them and fur-
ther requiring that yow woulde with vs consent, yelde and
subscribe to the same. Or yff ye will not so do, she we we
praye yow vpright reasons and good causes why ye refuse.
For we are ready to correcte and amend oure faultes yff they be
shewed vs, at the monition off any priuate person, but muche
more at yours the pastor and Elders. For as we desier
their wisedomes to come to perfecte truthe : so we will not
thorough stubbernes defende anie errour, beinge shewed vnto
vs to be an errour in dede. Yet notwitstanding, afterward
vpon in the aforesaie daie off February, the Pastor did in his
owne name and in the name off the Elders, openly reade cer-
teine written letters to whiche he and the Seniors had before
in the presence off the churche subscribed their names. The
summe theroff was this. Seinge the churche had left vnto
them a vaine shadowe onelie off authoritie withowte anie
other matter, that therfore they did in oure presenee shake
off from themselues and vtterly forsake all Ecclesiasticall
ministerie and seruice to the churche.

Amonge other thinges they added this that we had geuen
them a cause to complaine off vs to the magistrats, but
that for oure sakes they woulde not do it. Afterward some of

LXXIII.

them departed and sate downe in priuate mennes places, nei-
ther woulde they suffer so muche as to be called by the name
off pastors and Elders. Then one in the name off the whole,
hauinge fullie shewed before, that there was no iuste cause
geuen the by thechurche, so to forsake their ministerie, did after-
ward in the name of the whole churche verie earnestly desier
the that they woulde not in suche manner forsake and leaue
the churche that had deserued no suche thinge at their hands.
This was with moste earneste and effectuall wordes re-
quired off them, thre or foure tymes in the name off the whole
churche, but they remained willfull and obstinate in their
purpos, not so muche as once suffringe themselues to be called
by the name off pastors and elders. Then at the lenght, it
was shewed vnto them in the name off the whole churche,
that the churche woulde not admit that their forsakinge of their
ministerie, but would stil take and esteme them for their
pastor and Elders. And when one in the name off the churche
did accuse the pastor and Chambers to be suche as had abused
the churche, leauinge it and forsakinge it in suche manner with-
owte anie cause or reason shewed, and did in the name oft'
the churche desier them to make answere vnto him concern-
inge this their dede, they vtterlie refused the same. But home
who then was Pastor, hastely takinge a penne, wrote to this
purpos in a pece of paper in his owne name and in the name
off the elders. Where as we are vrged and pressed by one in
the name off the churche to make answere, we generally an-
swere, that when so euer we shal be ordinarelie demaunded be-
fore the churche or them whiche the churche shall apointe, we
will then answere, or if we shall be called before the ciuill ma-
gistrate we will ther ansvveare. other answeare then this they
woulde geue none, to anie off the questios whiche we had pro-
posed in all oure names of the churche. (and they assigned this
writinge by puttinge to their names) where as indede this was
not onelie to answere nothinge at all, but also to preted a
cloaked cause of answeringe nothinge at all. Moreouer, they
were desired in the name of the churche that they woulde de-

LXXIIII.

liuer to the churche the letters signed withe their owne hades,
by vvhiche they had shewed their renounsall and denyinge of
the ministerie : or if they woulde not do that, that the against
a certeine daie they woulde graiite and giue to the churche a
coppie therof. But neither woulde they geue them the letters
whiche they had in their bosome neither woulde promisse any
copie to the churche, who moste earnestlie required the same off
the. At the laste, the pastor and elders departed, some cer-
teine fewe folovvinge the, but the multitude remained and so
farrforthe as they coulde remember, committed to writinge the
actes off that daie and the summe off those letters (by whiche
the Pastor and Elders had willingly put them selues from
the ministerie) ad for witnesse subscribed thereto with thirtie
and three names. The next daie after, that is, the 3. off Fe-
bruary the Pastor and Elders beinge called off the churche by
the Deacon, to intreate off makinge peace, they came together
ad met. But the Pastor and elders set them downe in priuate
places. Afterwardes, the pastor (because one speakinge in the
congregation did not by and by so soone as he bad him holde
his peace) fayned that he woulde departe. But when he per-
ceyued that verie fewe folowed him, and by some consailed,
he returned, and suddanly placed himselff in the pastors place,
and called the elders to him, whiche thinge, before he had
refused to do although he were by the whole churche verie
instantly and ernestlie required therto. Then, he spake to this
effecte : we in dede (saith he) did displace oure selues from the
ministerie, notwithstandinge, absolutely and fullie we did it
not, but vnder this condition onely, yff yow shulde proceade
to deale in suche sorte as yow haue done against the olde ad
receiued discipline. Nowe then, yff ye goo forwarde as yow
haue appointed and purposed, then will we wholie and alltogether
displace oure selues from oure Ministeries, but yff yow will
obaie the olde discipline then will we continew pastor and
elders as we are. Answere was made that there was nothinge
at all conteined in the olde discipline, wherby they might medle
with, or proceed againste the pastor and elders, iff parhapps

LXXV.

they were founde faultie and in some offence. Moreouer,
that there was nothinge put downe conceminge suche causes,
as in whiche the pastor and elders were an aduersarie parte,
and therfore it was desired that they woulde suffer the dis-
cipline in that behalff to be amended and to be made more
perfect. Nowe the pastor beinge offended as it shuld seeme,
with so free speeche woulde imediatlie againe haue bin gone,
and rann euen to the churche dore, but yet seinge but fewe
folowinge him, by the counsaile and aduise offcerteine persons
he returned, and sat him selff downe in the pastors place with
the seniors.

And in like sorte, by and by againe vppon the suddaine,
he ran for the thirde tyme, but within a litle while after he re-
turned and planted himselff in the pastors accustomed place.
Afterwards intretie was made with the pastor and elders in
the name off the church, that they would suffer Ashleis cause
(in whiche matter they themselues were founde at the lenght
to be an aduersarie parte) and the hearinge theroff to come
before the churche, And that the churche woulde (yff Ashley
were founde faultie) verie sharply and seuerely punishe him,
and in this behalff aboundantly satisfie the pastor and Elders
and all good men. But the pastor and Elders would at no
hande suffer that. And as concerninge the amendinge off'
the discipline, the pastor saide that he and the elders with cer-
teine others by the authoritie off the church beinge ioined vnto
them woulde (yff the churche so thought good) amende the
discipline. But answere was made vnto bothe, in the name
off the churche. First that it was verie vniust that the churche
shuld not be suffred to haue iudgement and determination.
For therby the authoritie and right off churche was wholie
as it were, taken from the churche. To the seconde it was
answered that sith suche ordinaunces and decrees were to
be made, as by whiche the Pastor and Elders shulde be here-
after deteined in dutie (some off them also beinge already ac-
cused) it shulde be vniuste dealing to admit them to the
framinge and makinge off suche decrees. And when they

LXXVI.

affirmed they would answere no other thinge, and they were
desired to suffer thos things to be comitted to writinge whiche
were done alreadie, they woulde not agree, but the pastor say-
inge he was a colde made himself ready to departe, ad goinge
his waie a fewe folovvinge him, he pronownced, that he dis-
solued the assemblie. But the companie that taried in the
churche and wrote the doings of that daie by their decree, and
appointed 8. men to amend the discipline, and Afterward to
offre it the churche to be seene of the, did also apointe other 8.
men (of whiche 8. three, all waies stuck to the pastor) arbitres
and iudges to decide the cause betweene the pastor and elders,
ad Ashley. Theis are their names, maister Railton, maister
Warcope, M. Kelke M. faulconer, M. Bentham M. Cockroft,
M. Carell and M. Wilson. Three off theis were addicted to the
pastor but M. Bentham and M. Kelke alwais shewed them-
selues indifferent and equall to bothe sides. From that time
forwarde the pastor and elders and certaine others beinge often
times called of the churche, by the Deacons and certeine other
to intreate of making peace and agrement, would neuer apeere
or be present.

Morouer the pastor and the Deacons, and certaine paine-
full poore men, ceased bothe from preachinge and also the
Ecclesiasticall lectures and other ordinary functions and charges
whiche they ought to haue executed, neither woulde they
come to solemne and publick praiers in the churche. notwith-
standing the churche yet thorough Gods fauour obserued
bothe publike praiers, sermons and Ecclesiasticall lectures,
and all other things accustomed and minded to keepe them
so longe as the godlie Magistrats shulde suffer and graunt
the same. And no other matter did so muche spread abroad
throughowt the citie as the fame and reporte off oure striffes
and as the dede off maister Home and Maister Chambers.
For when they off themselues had forsaken the churche and
had by their example stirred vp some other with their families
to do the like, and some off theis nowe frequented and went,
partely to the frenche churche, and partly to the Germanie

LXXVI1.

churches, the matter nowe coulde not anie longer be hyd and
in secret seinge it was published and knowen not thorowe
the citie alone, but the fame theroff ran to other strangers also :
whiche matter and busines withe their brethern, woulde to
God they had chosen rather to haue had it ended quietlie
and peaceablie in their owne churche, then in such troblesome
sorte to haue consulted so greatly, bothe to their owne disho-
nestie and oures. The fourth daie off Februarie which was
Thursdaie and appointed for publick praier, the pastor who
that daie shuld haue preached, and all the Elders were absent.
Nowe the pastor beinge before by the Deacon desired in the
name off the churche that either he himselff would preache
or apoint some other in his place, made answere, that neither
woulde he preach himselff nor apointe anie other. For that
matter did nothinge at all belong vnto him. After praiers
were ended some there were that disputed and reasoned in
the pastors behalff and saide, that that assemblie whiche re-
mained after the pastors departure (in as muche as he had autho-
ritie to call together the churche and to breake vp the as-
semblie and he goinge his waie saide, that he brake vp that
assemblie) was no lawfull assemblie. To whom it was (in the
name off the churche) answered, that Maister Home had put
owte himselff from his pastorall dewtie, and therfore, both
for that matter and manie other recited before amonge the
Act. of the 2. daie of Feb. he had not anie authoritie, or any
maner of right either to gather together or to break vp the as-
semblie. And although it were graunted that he were their
lawfull pastor, yet, it was affirmed that the churche was aboue
the pastor and not the pastor aboue the churche ad that ther-
fore thowghe the pastor departed, before the actes off that daie
were confirmed, and pronounced that he brake vp the assemblye
yet was the assemblie whiche remained ad taried behind a law-
full assemblie, ad had authoritie to make effectuall decrees, by
whiche they might binde all ad euery meber of the churche with-
owte exception. And that this question (whither the pope was
aboue the churche or the churche aboue the pope) was stirred
vp in the councelles off Constance and Basill, and was decided

LXXVIII.

also by the authoritie off the schole off parise ioyned therto.
Nowe they whiche reasoned in the pastors behalff did seeme
by the space off certein daies after, to approue thes 2. coun-
cils, for they placed the pastor aboue the churche. They
brought foorth openly all the olde store and howsholde stuffe
of Pighius and Eckius of the primacie of the pope vnder the
name°off the Pastorall authoritie and for the proffe theroff.
The actes and disputations off that daie were in testimonie,
signed and confirmed with two and thirtie names. The 5. off
Februa. Maister home and the seniors beinge required off
the congregation by a deacon to come and treate off reconcili-
ation woulde not appeare. After this there were 3. Messen-
gers sente from the congregation vnto them, off whom, one
was to be specially reuerenced off all that be off the congre-
gation bothe for his age and grauitie, the other 2 specially well
lerned, to the intent they shuld be moued by theis so honest a
company off Messengers sent by the congregation. Theis
men, whe they had in the churches name instantly desired, and
praied them that they woulde come to the congregation and
there common brotherly amonge themselues for a quyete
agrement to be had, so as the matter might not come to the
magistrates eares, nor be bruted anie farther abroade to the
great infamie of oure nation, coulde do no good with them at
. all. for they saide they woulde not come vnlesse they were ordi-
narily called. As for other answere at that present they would
make none. When this answere was declared to the congre-
gation, it was determined that for asmuche as R. Home had
openly put himself owte off his pastorshipp by writinge sub-
scribed with his owne hand, and confirmed the same by wordes
and deedes in loge absteining from preachinge and other
pastorall functions, and affirminge that suche matters were
no point off his charge. In as muche as now beinge called of
the churche, he will not appere, and so absteinethe all together
from publicke praiers and all Ecclesiasticall meetigs : And for
asmuche also as the Seniors come not at the meetings of the
churche, leaste the congregation thorough the forwardnes of

LXXIX.

the saied Robart Home and absence off the Seniors, beinge
voide and destitute off common praier, preachinge, and read-
inge the scriptures shulde be vtterly dissolued, that certein
men shuld take charge off the churche and for all things to be
done in the congregation as it hathe by Gods goodnesse byn
yet hitherto done.

other decrees also whiche are specified in the Acts off the
2. daie off Februa. they established : all whiche everie one
that was present confirmed by his name subscribed with his
owne hande, as they were wont to do in other actes and de-
crees. And to the decrees off that daie subscribed 33. hands.
But in this behalff bothe maister Home and maister Chambers
and other in their behalf did finde verie muche faulte with vs,
for that we had proceaded vnordinarilie, that is (yow must
vnderstand) contrary to the olde discipline. For where they
coulde not iustly finde faulte with those thigs that the churche
had done, they made cauillation at the manner off doinge off
things as an vnordinary maner. And we answered as well
manye other things grewe now by occasion off that matter, as
this chiefly : in case Maister Chambers or anie other man,
either woulde or coulde shewe anie ordinarie waie in the olde
discipline wherby the congregation, or anie other might com-
mence matter, and proceade against him or againste a Senior
or Seniors beinge accused : or howe we might proceade ordi-
narely according to the olde discipline in causes, wherin he
ad the seniors were the one parte as they nowe were proued
to be : And yff Maister Home, or anie other man either
woulde or coulde shewe the tytle or wordes in the ould Dis-
cipline, wherin this ordinarie waie is set forthe and conteined :
Then we would confesse that we had gon amisse owt off the
ordynary way and olde discipline. But yff neither he nor
anie other woulde or coulde shewe in deede, that they would
not be discontent at vs that reduced the congregation to their
right authoritie and amended that olde discipline as athinge
amisse, or filled it vp as a thinge vnperfect and brought the
matter to the hearinge off the churche as it ought to be :

e 2

LXXX.

And that they woulde at lenght geue oner to vaunte them
seines so off the order whiche they neuer had, or to blame vs
hereafter for proceading vnordinarely. The summe off this
answere, we dyuyded in to certein Articles, and sent them
pryuately to Maister Home to peruse, requiring his answere
to the same and also we sticked them vpon the pulpit in the
churche where they remained a great many daies. And where
it was required in that same writinge that. Maister Home, or
the Seniors or some other man shulde make answere vnto
thes matters, there is no man yet hitherto that hather made
anye answere, either by worde or by writinge, sauinge that
Maister Home fallinge to his olde generall answere, saide,
he woulde make answere when he were ordinarely called or
questioned withe for by this shift he thinkethe he vndoeth
all dowtes at once, where as in dede, to answere after that
sorte, is to answere nothing at all, but to pretend false causes
to holde his tonge when he is able to shewe no reason for
himselff. For this was his meaninge that he is not ordinarely
called nor questioned with all, nor accused ordinarely, sauinge
onely before him selff, and the Seniors as Iudges, Where as
they bothe in their geuinge ouer off their ministery, and in
the principall cause against maister Ashley were the adver-
sary parte so that by his iudgement there is no ordinary waie
to medle against the pastor and Seniors excepte they call
themselues to be hearers of their owne cause and their owne
Iudges themselues. For other ordinary waie against the
pastor and Seniors in that olde discipline off theirs, neither he
nor anie other shall be hable to shewe.

After this, when those 8. Persons which were appointed by '
the Churche to heare the variance betwene Maister Home
and Maister Chambers one thoneside, and Maister Asley
one the other side, shulde proceade in the hearinge off that
matter, Maister Home and Maister Chambers whiche had
absented themselues nowe 11. daies from the churche were
commaunded by the Magistrate the 12. off February (for
that daye, they and certeyne others were seen with the

LXXXI.

Magistrate) that they shuld in no wise comme at our church.
when we harde off' yt, we had maruell, fyrste that the matter
was comme to the Magistrats eare (for Maister Home and
the reste testified the 2. off February by their owne hand
writinge, that they would neuer open it to the Magistrate) and
secondarely, seinge Maister Home and Maister Chambers
coulde by no meanes be intreated to come to the churche yt
semed awonder that yt was commaunded by the Magistrats
that they shulde not come, as though they had byne dcsyrous
to come, whiche in dede neded not.

Therfore, the moste parte thought that that commaunde-
ment was obtained by their owne sute, at the Magistrates
hands, bothe that such persons as knewe not the matter,
shuld be perswaded that yt was longe off the Magistrats
commaundement that they did not their offices in the
Church. Where as before this Commaundement was geuen
they had off a purposed frowardnes absented themselues
now allready more then ten dayes from the congregation.
And also besides, that the congregation might not pro-
ceade agaynst them seinge the Magistrate commaunded them
that they shulde not appeere. And this was the very let
in dede why the congregation proceaded not in hear-
inge and determining off the varyance betweene Maister
Home and Chambers off the one partie and Ashley on the
other.

And in this they burthen vs maliciously with owte cause,
As thoughe we woulde haue Ashley ridd from Iudgment
off that matter, and as though that were the onely thinge
whiche was sought in oure contention, where as in decde yt
was longe off them that his cause was not determined. We
therfore, hauing knowledge off this matter, for feare least
we shulde be falsely accused, as though we had vttered yt to
the Magistrate, and had seemed, first to haue accused our
brethern vnto the Magistrate, whiche we might not abide to
do, assembled together in the churche the 13. off Februar.

e 3

LXXXII.

and there was openly recited in writing this that folowith.
Forasmuche as oure contention is alreadie bruted abroad not
onely through this citie but also come to the Magistrats eare
(for we heare saie that maister Home and maister Chamber
were commaunded by the magistrat yester daie that is the
12. off Febr. that they shulde in no wise come at the con-
gregation till the magistrate had fuller knowledge off the
matter) we professe that neither Maister Home nor Maister
Chamber nor no man els was complained vpon to the magis-
trate by vs or any off vs, or by oure meanes, but that we
sought rather by all diligent endeauor, that the matter shuld
not come abroade, but that all matters might haue byn
secretly agreed amonge oure selues and that we woulde all
men shulde vnderstand by this oure writinge. This done,
those that knewe themselues to be of an vpright cosciece in
this behalf were required to set their handes to that writinge,
and so there were 37. hands subscribed as appearethe in the
actes off the 13. off Febru. And where Maister Home and
Maister Chamber beinge so often desyred by all instant means
off the congregation that they woulde be content to haue all
matters pacified amonge vs by brotherly communication, did
neuer suffer themselues to be talked with all off anie matter,
leaste they shuld afterward alleadge to suche as knewe not
the matter, that they did it off force bicause off the magis-
trates commaundement, whiche forbad them to come to the
congregation. All the tyme wherin they absented them selues,
and contemned so manie desires and intreties off the churche
to haue met vpon agrement makinge, before anie commaunde-
ment was geuen them off the magistrate (whiche commaunde-
ment notwithstandinge maie seeme that they at lenght for the
causes before mentioned procured themselues) was recorded
amonge the Acts off that 13. off Febru and confirmed by the
testimonies off 37. names 'subscribed as in the acte appearethe
more at large.

The 14. off Febru : those 8. whiche were appointed the 3.
off Febru. by the congregation to amende the discipline, pre-

LXXXIII.

sented the booke off the Discipline to the congregation agayne
and the congregation allowed it. And those matters that
were altered or augmented in the discipline were such as spe-
cially perteined to those causes, wherin the pastor and seniors
were the one parte, and howe it muste be proceaded against
the pastor and seniors, in case anie off them were accused. For
concerninge theis thinges there was neuer a worde in the olde
discipline. And where in the olde discipline there was no
certeine mention, howe the churche shulde be gouerned, and
seinge maister Home and other had now vtterly forsaken the
congregation, who in leauinge there offices had drauen awaie
with them the moste parte off them that were appoynted
preachers, and disposinge off the churche monie, were more
largely and more trulie set forthe and expressed.

For where maister Chamber had authoritie to gather all
godly mennes almese for the poore off the congregation con-
firmed vnto him (as he him selff required) in writinge, signed
by the pastor and seniors and certeine other off the chieff men
off the churche with their owne hands, and had exercised the
same gathering nowe a yere, and half, that he alone, shulde
receiue all, he alone distribute, and be accomptable to no ma
and he alone to be priuie to the mony, that matter (were he
neuer so faithfull a man) semeth verie suspitious to him and
hurtefull to the churche, yff he shulde dye suddanly as the
state off man is casuall : And the example also shulde seeme.
pernitious to the churche least parhapp an other man off small
fidelitie shuld by the same reason drawe all the churche mony
in to his owne onely handes.

And for as muche as the Deacons (vnto whom the charge
off the churche monie semeth to apperteine by the worde of
God, and by the example off all rightly instituted churches) in
oure congregation had not a mite to bestowe : for their were
made Deacons honest men in dede, but yet such as for their
poueritie semed not fit men to whom the common mony
shuld be comitted : and by that coulour Maister Chamber
thought he might with owte controlinge receiue all the comon

E i

LXXXIIII.

monye in his owne handes alone. The congregation thought
good to haue a deaconshipp appointed more vprightly accord-
ing to the rule described in the Actes off the Apostles, and
the example off other Godly instituted churches, and to the
intent the Church mony might be medled with all by the Dea-
cons with owte all suspition it is prouided in the amendinge
off the discipline that suche men shulde be chosen Deacons, as
be not onely off a most aproued Good fidelitie, but also suche
as were able hansomly to liue off their owne withowte anie
nede off the Churches Almes. And in dede this seemed to
be nowe so muche the more necessary, for that many com-
plained : some that the almes which they receyued before
priuatlieoffpriuatefrinds was taken vpp by the waye, sythens
Maister Chamber began to gather, as in dede Maister Home
then Pastor threatned openly owte off the pulpit in his
Sermon sayinge that he woulde stoppe all mennes vents (as
he termed it) and receiptes. Againe, some complaine that
they coulde haue nought at Maister Chambers hande, but
after beseching and vnreasonable longe delais, some that
they coulde haue nothing with owte bytter vpbraids and some,
that they could obtaine nothing off gyfte but onely off
loane, and other some that they coulde gett nought at all.
So that nowe it semed requisite off necessytte to seeke some
remedie for theis misheues. All whiche complaints we shall
be constrained off extreame necessitie to put in to one seaerall
peece off worke touching the whole matter and communi-
catinge it to good men. And concerning the Discipline,
seinge there was no certeine expresse waye in the olde disci-
plyne how the congregation shuld be gouerned, neither coulde
anie longe quietnes indure so longe as Maister Home had the
gouernement by that discipline. And seing nowe Maister
Home and Maister Chambers haue vtterlie forsaken the
Churche, not onely themselues, but also haue drawen awaie
with them many other, and of them, the most parte such as
were appointed preachers and readers off the Scriptures : so
as they might plainely appeere to seke nothinge ells but that

LXXXV.

the congregation beinge destitute off preaching and reading
(as thoughe it coulde not stand withe owt those men) shulde
be vtterlie broken vpp : the congregation was off necessitie
enforced to deuise and prouide for some certeine waie for the
gouerning off the churche, wherby the congregation might be
set at a fyrme and a constant quietnes.

After this 14. off Februa 2. preachers off the frenche and
Flemishe Churches and Maister Valeran pullain came to the
congregation with the Magistrats Edicte. The meaninge off
the edicte was, that Maister Home, Maister Chambers,
Maister Isaac and the reste off the Seniors shulde be restored
into their former full authoritie and that Maister Home
shulde do the office off pastor, and they off Seniors in our
churche till the Magistrates might haue the hearing and de-
termining off the matter more at large. And yt was com-
maunded, that all suche men as had anie thing to saie against
Maister Home and the reste shulde exhibit the same to the
Magistrate in writing. Maister Home, the decre beinge red
consulting first with some off his complices, as in a newe
matter that he neuer knewe before, said to this effecte :
that he was ready to obeie the honorable Magistrate, ascon-
cerninge other functions belonginge to the Pastor, that is to
saie consultations with the Seniors and administration off
discipline, but he woulde not medle with preaching, bicause
his ministerie was infamed by some men, he coulde not do
yt with owt the offence off himselff and off many. Answere
was made in the Churches name for that the honorable Ma-
gistrate had sent the Seniors againe to the Churche, the churche
was glad off it. For they were all sory for their departure
and nowe were verie ioyous off their comminge againe.
Concerninge Maister Home for so muche as he refused the
chiefeste parte off the Pastors office wherin he hathe behaued
himselff well (yff in anye thinge well) that is, in the office
off preachinge. Againe, where he woulde take vppon him
that parte wherin he is iustly reprehended, as wantinge
discretion, and sobernes therin, that is, the administration off

LXXXVI.

Ecclesiasticall discipline with the Seniors, he ouer shoteth
him selff in bothe thes pointes.

Therfore in as muche as he exempteth himself from that
office wherin he might profit the congregation : the congre-
<>-atio in like case will not admit him to that office wherin he
bothe ill behaued himselff before, as the congregation (yff
nede be) shall declare vnto the Magistrats : wherin likewise
the congregation cannot admit Maister Chambers to the office
off Senior for certein Causes. And for the rest off the Seni-
ors, We (saie they) geue vnto the Magistrats right humble
thankes.

This done, those 3. men whiche came vnto them with the
Magistrats edicte, did earnestlie exhorte, firste in the ma-
gistrates name and eftsones in their owne, to fall to a quick
agremente amonge them selues, for that were more honestie
then to accuse one an other vnto the congregation : Whiche
thinge, as it is most vnworthly off Christen men, so is it vnto
vs specially that professe our selues banished for the gospell
sake. iVnswere was made in the name off the churche as
foloweth. We wishe for a brotherly peace from the bottome
off our hartes praing Maister Home and Maister Chambers
instantly to bend their mindes vnto quietnes, and moste
hartely besechinge theis 3 men our brethere, and banished for
the same gospell that we are, that they will helpe with their
authoritie to set a quietnes amonge vs, so as the matter shulde
come no more to the Magistrats eare. Theis 3. answered that
they woulde heare what answer Maister Home and Maister
Chambers would make, hereto Maister Home answered,
seing the matter is allready before the M the magistrat shall
haue the hearing and determining off it. Iff anie had ought
against him let them put it vp in writing before the magis-
trate, for he was ready to answere all men and either he
woulde trie his innocencie or (being founde faultie) suffer
punishement for the same. Maister Chambers made like an-
swere for himselff.

Then, for as muche as there could be no other ende the

LXXXVII.

congregation requested those 3. graue and lerned preachers,
to make reporte to the magistrate off" their desier And readi-
nes to haue agrement. And so they (as soone as theis things
were put in writinge) departed. And the churche also made
an acte off that daie subscribing with their hands to the
same. The same daie at after noone the Magistrates hauing
more plaine intelligence off the matter, commaunded by their
edicte, subscribed with their handes, that Maister Home
and Maister Chambers shulde medle no more the one with
the pastorshipp and the other withe the Seniorshipp till all
the controuersies were throughly harde and decided. And
commaundement was geuen, that the eight daie after (whiche
was the 3. off marche) suche as had to saie off anie parte
shuld be present. This matter was greuous to the church (as
maie be thought) that things shuld growe to suche extre-
mitie.

When they had gathered certeine matter, they exhibited
it to the Magistrates when as they came to the Englishe
churche where all the company were assembled before them
whiche was the last off February. Where the Magistrates
made an ende (by their owne authoritie) off the controuersie
as shall be saide hereafter.

The laste off Feb. the Magistrate came to oure Temple a
litle before ten off the clock and there off his authoritie re-
concilied certeine off the congregatio that were at variaunce
amonge them selues, and tooke order that all former offences
shulde be vtterly extincte and buried in the graue off forget-
fulnes. W'heruppon at the commaundement, and in the pre-
sence off this Magistrate, the parties ioined handes together
in token that they were reconcilied and were Good frinds and
lovers. Afterwarde, the pastor, Elders and Deacons, were
put from their Ecclesiasticall functions by an Edict signed
and subscribed with three off the Magistrates handes and
were all made priuate men, as the rest off the congregation :
And by the same edicte off the Magistrates it was decreed
that that congregation might freely, when they woulde chase

e 6

LXXXVIII.

either them or other ministers, likewise, it was permitted
and graunted, that accordinge to the abilitie off the congre-
gation they might chuse one, or many ministers off the
worde or doctors. Moreouer, order was taken by the same
Edicte, that the treasure or common monie off the congrega-
tion shulde be kept and distributed by the Deacons. And
that the Deacons shulde at certeine appointed times geue vpp
an accounte off it before the Ministers off the worde and
Seniors.

We were licenced by the same Edicte off the magistrats.
to drawe owte an Ecclesiasticall Discipline wherby the con-
gregation shuld be gouerned. Afterward, there was thankes
geuen to the magistrate in the name off the whole congrega-
tion for his singuler good will and affection to the congrega-
tion. And the magistrate departed, wisshinge well in like sorte
to the companie. But by whose meanes the magistrat came
thus vnto vs and toke such order, or whither the Magistrate
off himselff wrought this deuise we cannot certeinly saie.
But that we off the churche were not the cause, that anie suche
thinge was done, we take God and oure consciences, and the
magistrate to witnes, who knoweth the whole matter.

The morrowe after, whiche was the firste off marche the
Magistrate gaue vs Counsaile by a fewe lynes that he wrate
vnto vs to drawe forthe the Ecclesiasticall Discipline owte of
hande, whiles we were as yet all priuate men and therfore
might best take counsaill, for that that shulde be moste behou-
able for the whole companie : leste, that yff we differred the
doinge off it vntill the Ministers were chosen and appointed,
oure cosultation shulde be more troublesome, whiles the mi-
nisters on the one side and the congregation on the other,
might pluck and force more vnto them selues then off right
they ought. This most wholsome and profitable counsell off
the Magistrate was the nexte daie after, whiche was the 2. off
marche proposed in the congregation, and it liked and pleased
the whole company, notwithstanding bicause Maister Home

LXXXIX.

made some matter, for that some were absent the matter was
differred vnto the nexte daie.

The thirde off marche, by the aduise off that Good and
godlie magistrate, eight and thirtie off the congregation chose
by voices 15. men to write Ecclesiastical lawes. Maister
Home and Maister Chambers and almoste to the nomber
off 14. moo sat by and woulde geve no voices, notwithstand-
ing that we requested and intreated them : But they required
they might haue leaue to put downe there minds in writings
So then beinge requested to write downe their mindes Maister
Home rose vpp and wrate in the paper in theis wordes
folowinge. My minde is that the olde discipline be kepte
still and not mended. Maister Chambers and Maister Isaac
and other to the nomber off 14. wrote downe their mynds to
the selff same purpose. Nowe when we saw farr beyounde
^ oure expectation and otherwise then we looked for that there
" was a newe distention arisinge betweene vs, being set at one
and recociled one to the other, not scarce 3. daies before and
in witnesse therof had geue handes eche to other (we coulde
not otherwise doo but be greued and sorowe greatly, to se the
growndworke of mo troubles and dissentions laide.

And bicause those. 14. gaue to vnderstande by their
hands put downe vnto it in writinge that they thought it not
Good to alter their olde discipline, to the ende that it might
euidently appeare, howe many we were that had consented
vppon the choise off 15. men whiche shulde set downe in
writinge a forme off discipline accordinge as the magistrate
had commanded, we on the otherside trusted, that we thought
it for the behouff and profit off the congregation that a forme
of discipline shuld be made and put downe as the magis-
trate had commaunded. And to this determination and
sentece beinge put in writinge, we in nomber eighte and
thirtie subscribed oure names, with protestation that we did
nothmge but that was Good and lawfull and accordinge to the
magistrates will and mind requestinge them to geue their con-
sent and to agree with vs.

xc.

But they, after muche debatinge and many wordes to and
fro for their olde discipline, that it neded not to be displaced
or altered, came to this passe at the lenght, that they saide (we
had to consulte off correctinge but not off makinge a disci-
The simple piine and verie instantly and earnestlye vrged the same vpon
tf^tiofsthe wordes off that aduice and councell whiche the magistrate
head- had geuen touchinge the spedie dispatche off the discipline of
the churche before the election of the ministers, we therfore
which thought it not muche materiall whither it were termed
a newe made, or a corrected discipline to haue no occasion of
dissentio, chaunged, oure copie and put in in steade of theis
wordes, discipline shulde be made, shuld be corrected. And
so those 14. whiche made a she we before as though they wolde
not suffer anie one iote of the olde discipline to be altered, ad
chaunged, callinge to minde (I suppose) either their fewnesse
off their nomber or the oddes off the matter bycause that olde
discipline was vtterly taken awaie by the Magistrates edicte,
the laste off Februa. as the chiefest cause off oure controuersies :
or ells foreseinge, that the magistrate would be offended with
that their dissention : they all ioyntly together Maister Home
and Maister Chambers beginninge the daunce put their hands
to oures, for the correction off the discipline.
Homeand Then did Maister Home request that seinge nowe they
/us com- 1)ad consented vnto vs, for the wrytinge downe off the disci-
KSto pline, he and the residewe for that fourtene might freely geue
tJ?aif''r their voices for the chosinge of those fourtene whiche they had
alreadie appointed or some suche other as they woulde. But
we bicause we had before requested them to geue their voices
and three refused, c6sidering that those fourtene drew all one
line and were fullye bent in all points to do one as the other,
beinge all like affected and by that meanes, might off purpos
wholie bestowe their voices vpon some certeine, and so ouer-
throw oure election whiche they knewe already, denied to
graunt and suffer them and yet we saide, that yff they woulde
we wold not refuse to appointe an other daie, to chuse the sayde
14. men or other, yet geuinge Maister Home in the meane

XCI.

while to wit, that that matter whiche might haue bin quietlie
dispatched in three homes, would scarsly by his meanes be
fynished in three daies.

At the lenght Maister Home, after consultation had with
certain, spake alowde in the name off the fourtene in this
wise.

Although (saide he) it were meete that we all seuerally
geue oure voices, yet that we maie be no longer an hinder-
ance, I pronouce in all their names, that we all do by our
voices chuse those 14. men Whom yow haue alreadye ap-
pointed. When the residew were asked whither they con-
sented to this or no : Maister Isaac, answered that all agreed :
otherwise, yff anie were contrarie minded he woulde speake.
And thus by a generall consente off all not one man excepte
fiuetene men were chosen to write Ecclesiasticall lawes the
thirde off marche.

The 15. Elected agreed betwene themselues to assemble M. Home
and come together the fourth of marche at one of the cloke at uulT
after noone. Whe they came together ther was muche a doo '
a great while whither the olde discipline sliulde be corrected
or a newe made. We (of the churche) alleadged that all
occasions off olde controuersies (wheroff the olde discipline
but vnperfecte and naught was one) were vtterly taken awaye
by the magistrates Edicte. some vrged this worde corrected,
or amended which was in the aduise and counsaile that the
Magistral gaue vs for the spedie dispatche off discipline. For,
saide they, that is not corrected whiche is cleane taken waie.'
At lenght, the booke off the olde discipline and an other off Thelooh
the new discipline, whiche was corrected in the absence off°rrdisci-
maister Home and others were read, and so they departed for '^'Ut
that daie appoynting to meete agayne the 8. off marche tlie^f ,,W
same houre.

The 8. off marche the 15. men assembled againe and there M. Home
agreed vpon articles for makinge off discipline, whiche were mme ai &
set downe in a paper and subscribed all vnto them, sauinge
that maister Home, Maister Chambers and Maister Isaac

XCII.

and Maister Bentham woulde not subscribe to that Article
concerning the hauinge off two ministers off' the worde, and
yet notwithstandinge they all agreed vpon this that is was a
matter indifferent whither there shuldbe one or many minis-
ters off the worde. for it is not defined in the scriptures but
left free. Afterward Maister Hales gaue to Maister Cham-
bers a booke off discipline (which was writen in the absence
off maister Home and others, and was off the same Articles
as the congregation had made and agreed vpon) that maister
Home, and he, and maister Isaac mighte reade it ouer, and if
they allowed ought therin that it might be annexed to the
discipline that was in hande. But afterwarde, when maister
Home through occasion off talke abowte the correctinge oft'
the discipline, saide that there had byn no other discipline in
the churche, but that olde discipline, and that therfore the
magistrate, spake off correctinge off that not off the vtter
abolishinge theroff and that it was answered, that that same
other booke off discipline beinge written when he was absent
might as well be vnderstoode to be ment, as that same olde
discipline : bothe for that there was more equitie in it and
also was subscribed vnto off so many as well as that olde dis-
cipline whiche he so extolled : Then maister Home brake
owte in to most spitefull wordes against all his countrie men
that had agreed to that discipline which were at the leaste 36.
persons, affirminge that all they that had thus conspired to-
gether for the establishing off those articles (accordinge to the
shortnes off the time wherin they met) that they were in a
certeine degree, giltie off treason againste the magistrat, against
the Senate, and (to be shorte) against the whole citie.

Then maister Hales (vnderstandinge by maister Homes
wordes that nothinge was sought but newe trouble, and beinge
put in minde also off maister Bentham) reherseth agayne
that booke off discipline which a litle before was offred to
maister Chambers affirminge that he vnderstode, they went
abowte to seeke rather an occasion off chalinginge at the booke
by readinge off it, then a way off makinge a new discipline.

XCIII.

The eleuenth off marche the fiftene men meete againe vpo
certeine Articles to whiche (excepte one whiche maister Home
and M. Chambers would not subscribe) they al subscribed.

A litle before our departure it was thought profitable that
those thinges which we had collected and agreed vppon shulde
be brought in to a certeine forme of a booke, adding either
owte off the olde discipline, or by occasion, as we were gather-
inge theis tinges together such things as might seeme profit-
able. Maister home, and maister Chambers beinge intreated,
that they would gather those things in suche sorte, or ells be
present to conferre withe other that reade : Maister Home
answerethe that he woulde not, neither that there was any
suche neede. The 16. daie of marche they met againe in the
churche and there a certeine bill (in whiche were written
certeine articles tendinge to discipline) is exhibited vnto them
that amonge the fiften it might be deliberated vpon and debated,
maister Isaac spake many things verie sharplie against one
Article as verie daungerous and perilous againste those good
men through whose liberalitie the poore off the church were
susteined, and makinge wise as thoughe he woulde knowe
the matter better, he requested the bil, whiche, beinge reached
vnto him, he putteth it vp in his bosome, neither woulde he
geue it againe. And so by this meanes, he tooke away the
matter for vs to worke vpon sith that we had no other copie.

Afterwarde, the booke in whiche those thinges were written
that were agreed vppon amonge the 15. and certeine thinges
owte off the olde discipline, and other also were gathered in
to some order was brought owte amoge them to be con-
sulted vpon, and beinge redd, maister Home and Maister
Chambers fyrste off all complained, that booke was gathered
they not wittinge theroff, and had byn longe beatten vppon
amonge certeine of them, and therfore that it was reason that
a copie shuld be geuen to them, and to maister Iaaac and a
farther tyme also to delyberate, maister Isaac affirmed that
he neded 2. monethes, or one at the leaste to consider off that
booke. It was answered that although Maister Home and

XCIIII.

Chambers complained that they were not admitted to the
collectinge off the booke) in that they did vs wronge, for beinge
of vs therunto required they refused it and left it to others.
In that they required a copie, it semed vniuste, (seinge that
the church had decreed, that we the 15. shulde debate together
as concerninge the writinge off the discipline) for that thinge
tended againe to a newe dissention. Againe, that they re-
quired so longe a tyme to deliberate, and especially Maister
Isaac, it was moste vniuste. For seinge the marte was nowe
at hande, it was profitable or rather necessarie that oure
churche shulde with spede be established and oure ministers
elected leaste, to oure great infamie, men comminge hither
owte off all Europe, they might also se the broyles off oure
churche and so spread them farr abroad amoge all nations :
more ouer : that it woulde fall owte to the great hurte off the
poore, yff godly men being offended, with oure dissentions,
(beinge before beneficiall to the poore) withdrawe nowe their
liberalitie, and that therfore there was nede off spedie helpe in
pacifiynge and quietinge the churche before the marte beinge
nowe at hande. Maister Home answereth, that he requireth
not to muche tyme 2. or 8. daies shulde be enough for him to
deliberate, notwithstandinge that the copie ought to be graunted
for no lesse tyme, seinge many thinges were conteined in that
booke, and some also darke and dowtefull thinges and to him
before that tyme vnharde off, or, at the least, vnknowen :
and that therfore he requested that all shulde be asked ma by
ma. whither they thought not this reasonable ad iuste that he
required. For if to the moste it shulde seeme reasonable he
would at anie hande hauie a copie off that booke. Euery man
therfore was asked, beginninge at Maister Bentham : he, aswell
for the causes before alleadged as also that no occasion ofi'
wranglinge might arise off the booke, and leaste the booke
shulde come to the handes off anye other before it were
brought to the congregation, and for certeine other causes,
thought it not meete that anie copie shulde be geuen to anie,
but that the booke shulde be brought foorthe amonge them, and

xcv.

all they hearing it that were appointed off the congregation,
it shulde be after read and that tyme enoughe shulde be geuen
to stande vpon euerie decree and sentence and more exactly
to examin them : and that this seemed to him very iuste and
reasonable. And this iudgement is condescended to off all the
reste, and so Maister Home leaueth off from reqnestinge the
copie. Afterwardes, the booke is begonne to be redd, from the
beginnige, and in examininge off euerie off the decrees longe
time is spente, and off some articles in the beginninge mutche
disputation and debatinge is had. But Maister Home, Maister
Chambers and Isaac beinge asked their iudgemets would not
answere, no, not in the moste plaineste maters, and knowe of
all men, either to allowe or disalowe, as for exaple : There was
one article : we professe the selfsame doctrine which is con-
teined in the Canonicall bookes off all the holie scripture, to
witt, in the bookes off the olde and newe Testamente, in whiche Yff mats-
is conteined fullie all doctrine necessary for oure saluation. foo^ SKCj
To this and suche other beinge moste plaine and manifeste deliheratto
maister Home answered as to all thother that he woulde %oould sub-
answere nothinge with owte great deliberation. By whiche Jjjjfjjj
his doinges, he gaue occasion to all men to wonder. And so, tide: what
some other decrees off that booke beinge examined a meet- ]£? i^at
inge off the 15. was appointed againste the nexte daie, and so P°orc W'>-

TCLTlt 7)l€H

they departed. The nexte daie beinge the 17. off march and andwemen
againe the daie folowinge beinge 18. twelue off the 15= mette. mff *!'"*

o o o subscribe

For Maister Isaac, Maister Home and Chambers came not. vpb the
Vpon bothe daies the discipline was more diligently read and *'//,^ " °
examined, and off eleuen off them whiche were appointed, newgaU.
alowed and subscribed vnto. Vpon the 20. daie off marche
the discipline was offred to the whole congregation, that it
might of them either in the whole or in parte be alowed or
disalowed, and the same daie was it twise reade ouer.

After the readinge Maister Home and Maister Chambers
require a copie off the discipline, that at their leasure they
might farther deliberate vpo it. It was answered that it was
to be opely read and reade againe, bothe to them and others,

XCVI.

as often as they woulde, with time ynough geue to euery
man more diligently to examine euerie Artikle, but seinge
the Magistrate had commaunded that we shulde exhibite to
them a copie off the discipline turned into latin, so soone as
possible might be, Therfore we durste not scatter any copie
before the Magistrate had seene it. Besydes that we feared
leaste Maister Home and Maister Chambers (Who were
amonge the 15. (appointed) off the church e for the wri tinge off
the discipline who might also when they woulde not onely
heare the discipline but also examine the same diligently, and
yet woulde not meete with the others at the appointed time)
would requeste a copie not so muche to knowe the discipline
as to sturre vpp newe broiles. Neuertheles when the Magis-
trate had once seene it, leaue to be geuen to anye man that
woulde to se it. Withe this answere they and some others
beinge offended, at the second readinge off the discipline they
departed a waye and abstained agayne with their whole hous-
holdes from the churche, from publick praiers and sermons
whiche thinge blewe vp and increased the reporte off our
disagrements and striffes. Neither woulde they from that
time forwarde vnlesse they were commaunded by the magis-
trate come to the churche when as notwithstandinge they
coulde not shewe vs anie iuste cause to be giuen them why
they shulde so departe from the churche and refraine the
publicke prayers and godly sermons, as yff we had byn
Ethnickes or publicannes.

The 25. daie oure discipline was read the 3. time, and the
26. daie it was read the forthe tyme by the commaundement
off the Magistrate at the reading wheroff all Englishe men
that were off the churche were commaunded to be present.
The 30. off marche it was read the fyfte tyme and so at diuers
times there subscribed 42. in the good allowance theroff
whiche was the greater parte by a greate deale off the churche.
For the whole churche at that present had not aboue : 62.
And bycause nowe the marte was at hande, that there might
be some better forme off a well ordred churche : fine were

xcvir.

appointed off the churche the 20. off marche to nominate cer-
teine from amonge whom, accordinge to the Magistrates de-
cree shulde be chosen, the Ministers off the worde, Seniors
and Deacons. The 21. off marche the names off twentie men
or there abowte were proponed to those fiue appoynted off
the churche and ther with all declared that yff anye woulde or
coulde reproue anye off them that were named, either in
doctrine or manners, they shulde shewe it the 23. daie after.
Vpon the 23. daie, none fyndinge anie faulte in anie of those
whose names were propounded, it was agayne decreed that
yet, yff they had anie thinge to saie against anie man they
shulde declare that the 21. daie folowing.

The 25 off marche Maister Chambers, maister Binkes,
Maister Ade, Maister Brikbek maister Bentham, who were
amonge them that were named, tolde the churche, that yf
peraduenture they shulde be chosen, for certeine causes they
coulde not serue the churche, and that they signified this to
the churche in time leaste the election were frustrat. But
when no man coulde obiecte anie faulte in theis or other
that were named : the election off the Ministers was made
the 29. off marche, and the ordeininge off them that were
chosen was appointed of the churche the daie folowinge.
In the meane season Maister Home and Maister Chambers
and certaine other lefte not off to sue to the Magistrates
that bothe oure election might be hundred, and also that
it might be lawfull for them to be off our churche, and
yet not to subscribe to oure Dysciplyne, the thinge that
they them selues notwithstanding would neuer graunt to anye
others.

The 27. off Marche after dynner it began to be muttred
off certeyne that the Magistrate had forbydden that we
shulde go forwarde in the election, the whiche thinge surely
greued vs : for by that meanes we sawe that we shulde
haue no forme of a Churche before the marte and that ther-
fore we shulde become a reproche to all men, which seemed

XCVIII.

shulde be spred amonge all nations. But this rumor was
altogether vaine, for the 28. of marche which was the daie be-
fore the election shulde be, after the sermon, the decree of the
Magistrate was openly reade in the churche, wherin it was
commaunded that we shulde take in hand and performe the
election off the Ministers in the same order and vpon the
same daie that we had apointed, and that all Englishe men
that were off oure churche shulde be present the same daie,
at the election, and geue their voices.

The 29. daie off Marche after praiers, the sermon and
publique faste, a litle before twelue, the election off the
Ministers began to be made and when we were in the middeste
off the election : Maister Home Maister Chambers, and others
to the nomber off 18. men, (who before were neither with vs
at the sermon, nor at praiers, but had kepte themselues in
some howses not farre from the churche, beinge warned of
their side that had watched vs in the churche) came in sud-
danlie on a troupe together in to the churche and there eche
one striuethe who shall caste in his bill firste, Vpon the table
standinge in the middeste off the churche, all whiche bylles
conteined one matter and writen almost with like wordes, to
witt, that they coulde not geue their voices in the same elec-
tion, bicause they coulde not off their consciences alowe that
discipline by whiche the election was made. And that they
might enlarge their nomber, they brought with them 2. billes
off those that were absent and off some others whiche neuer
were accompted off the churche. And so after they had
troubled oure election, and after Maister Home also, walking
with an other a litle while ouerwhart in the middest off the
churche, all in a manner departed againe.

Afterwards the election was fully ended, at one off the
clock at afternoone, there were chosen 2. Ministers off the
worde. 6. Seniors and 4. Deacons. No we the Deacons were
(besides the wonted custome off oure churche) off the nomber
off those that coulde lyue of their owne, for that the common
treasure mi<^ht seeme withovvte all suspition to be com-

XCIX.

mitted to suche rather then to the poorer sorte. Nowe, in
that maister Home neither anie off the other that were before
in the Ministerie (excepte onely maister Willforde) were chosen
againe to the Ministerie, was specially through their owne
faulte. For Maister Home neuer almoste ceased for certeine
daies to professe openly that he woulde neuer exercise againe
anie Ecclesiasticall ministerie in that churche, and beinge be-
fore appointed by the magistrate to preache in oure churche he
would neuer so muche as once preach. And maister Cham-
bers, when his name amonge the reste to be chosen, was pro-
pounded, the 25. off marche he professed openly in the churche,
(all men hearinge it) before the election, that though he were
chosen off vs to some Ministerie, yet that he woulde neuer
vse it : And therfore that we shulde not in anie case chuse
him vnlesse we woulde haue oure election to be frustrate.

Wherfore, it is no maruell, yff they were not chosen, who,
least they shulde be chosen did them selues openly denounce
it. And therfore, in this they do vs great wronge, that would
seeme to beare men in hande, that they were at the firste
thruste owte off their ministerie by vs, or longe off vs thev
were not chosen in againe.

o

Maister Isaac in like manner, Maister Binks Maister
Brickbek and Maister Escote openly professed that they woulde
in nowise vse any publique ministerie in oure churche. And
here vpon it came specially to passe that onely Maister will-
ford, (who had not made anie suche exception) was from amonge
the, which were before in the ministery chosen agayne.

The thirde off Aprill the Magistrate, who desired that theis
churche dissentions off oures might be pacified and quieted,
and he now bicause off the marte had no leasure to do the
same, writeth his letters to D. Cox, D. Sandes and maister
Bartue in whiche he exhorte[t]h them, that they, yff they coulde
by anie conueniente meanes, as arbitres off some estimation
ende this striffe amonge vs.

Nowe when either side was come before them and all we
in the name off the churche (for all had graunted oure con-

c.

trouersies to be harde and determined with owte anye excep-
tion at all to them and to other arbytres, what so euer, whom
they shulde call vnto them) and had offred this thinge to the
arbytres written and all oure names subscribed vnto it :
Maister Home, Maister Chambers and others firste requested
that maister Home might be restored to his office off pastor-
shippe, Maister Isaac Maister Chambers and others, into their
offices off Seniors and the olde discipline into his former
place and autoritie, so as they were in the beginninge off theis
controuersies. For then (said they) will we leaue all con-
trouersies to the arbitres. When we had refused this as
moste vniuste and vnreasonable, then they requested that
seinge we woulde not restore the olde discipline, and them to
their former authoritie, that then we would suffer oure disci-
pline and Mynisters to be none otherwise then their olde with-
owte all authoritie and no minister at al, nor discipline to be
in oure churche but that the matter shulde remaine in that
state and condition that it was in the last off February, when
the Magistrate hauinge put all the ministers from their offices
departed fro vs, and so shuld the mater be lefte to arbitres.

Whan we remembred what and howe great trauelles that
discipline, election off Ministers had coste vs and sawe that
by this meanes oure churche shulde be made destitute off
Ministers and a large windowe to be opened for newe con-
tentions, and had also denied that thinge, Maister Home re-
quested that it might be lawfull for him to goo a litle a side
and 10 consulte with some off his side abowte the whole matter.
A litle after returninge againe and sainge, that they woulde
leaue no waie vnsought after, wherby peace might be gotten,
although they yelded muche from their right. Then he
readeth a certeine bill to those 3. (appointed off the magistrate)
and to vs writen in his owne name and the names off others
which I haue added vnder here writen worde for worde, least
anie man shulde thinke that anie thinge off purpose were
altred by vs. The Bill off maister Home and Others.

We offre and permit with moste willinge myndes (hauinge

CI.

the licence of the magistrate as it maye well be for this pur-
pose) that all oure controuersies and contentions, what so eucr,
whiche haue byn sowne and brought in amoge vs sithes the
beginnige of this breache, and synce the firste daie we began
to striue, vntill this present time and houre : to be debated
decided and determined by Arbytres, beinge none off this
oure congregation, and yet from amonge the brethern, oure
countrie men, equally and indifferently, by the parties dis-
agreinge, to be chosen vpon this condition, that not onely the
election off Mynisters and besides all others thinges don by the
order off the saied discipline, stande in suspence, to be allowed
or dissalowed by the determination and iudgemente off the
arbytres to be chosen as is aforesaide writen the 5. off Aprill.
Anno 1557.

And that the indifferent reader, maie, by comparinge their
offre and oures, se whiche is moste resonable, we haue added
oures also, writen owte worde for worde as we offred it vpp
before the forsaied Maister Bartue, D. Coxe and D. Sandes
and to the dissentinge brethern.

The copie wheroff is this.

We submit our selues and are contented to commit all
maner off controuersies that haue heretofore rysen amongest
vs in the churche, to suche Arbitres as the magistrate hathe
apointed and to all suche as they call vnto them to the hearinge
ad determininge therof, accordinge to gods word and godd
reason. And thus symplie and plainely withowte anie manner
off exception or condition. In witnes wheroff we haue sub-
scribed oure names the 5. off Aprill, Anno 1557.

Thow maiste se here, gentle reader, that albeit we had oure
Discipline writen and allowed off a 11. off the 15. men whom
the congregation by the Magistrates authoritie had apointed,
to wit, the Dyscipline, and therupon confirmed with the hands
off 41. men which was the greateste parte off our churche by
a great deale : Albeit we had also, all eccle[si]asticall ministers,
by the magistrate decree, and the authoritie of the congrega-

F

GIT.

tion lawfully elected, yet for quietnes sake, we put all to the
Arbitres wholie, either to be allowed or disalowed with owte
anie manner off exception. But maister Home and maister
Chambers, and others, sekinge more their owne will then anie
quiete agremente, woulde not at the first admit those three
Arbitres appointed off the magistrates. For Maister Home
made exception againste some off them. And afterwardes
woulde abide no order or offre, vnlesse we wrolde with oure
subscriptions suffer and commit oure discipline, the election
off ministers, and all other matters off oure churche to stande
in suspence (as they call it) so that by their dryfte we shulde
haue had no discipline, no certein ministery, no order and so
consequently no churche. They would that thies Arbiters
shulde be chosen indifferen[t]ly from amonge suche as were
oure countrie men, But not of oure congregation, so that it
T/ieis three shulde be lawfull for them to chuse where they lyste and whom
hnftZr tney ^Ste* Nowe consider with me, who so euer thow arte
beinge owte (indiffe[re]nt reader) yff we, firste hauinge geuen and sealed oure
Englishe writinge in the name off the whole churche had granted our
churches, discipline, ministers, and all other orders off oure churche to
stande in suspence, vntill they shulde either be allowed or
disalowed of the arbitres chosen in suche sorte, and till maister
Home and Maister Chambers accordinge to their canuasinge
craftines, nowe ynough and more then ynough knowen vnto
vs, had chosen Arbitres for their parte owte off farr places,
who either coulde not or ells woulde not meete together
abowte this matter, or (whiche was moste certeine to come
to passe) yff Maister Home, and Maister Chambers vvherso-
euer at lenght they had choosen arbitres, had not for all that
chosen suche for their side, who vnlesse thinges were don ac-
cordinge to their owne minde, would decree nothinge at all.
But the Arbitres disagrcinge on bothe sides, the matter shulde
be lefte vndon : what then shulde haue become off oure
churche, with thies their suspensyue ministers, and withe the
discipline and all other thinges ? For the condition offred
vpp off Maister Home and Maister Chambers was de-

cm.

clared to be this, that so longe all shulde remaine in suspence
till they shuld be allowed or disalowed by the arbytres : so
that yff the arbyters shulde haue bin deuided equally (as
many times it comethe to passe) the Ministers off the churche
might determine nothinge, but the Discipline and all other
thinges muste continually hange in suspence. Againe, the
churche, thoughe it were in great perill and daunger, yet,
least it shulde leaue anye waye vnproued for the obtayninge
off peace, bicause they thought that some off those three were
not meete whom the magistrates had appointed for Arbitres,
offred vpp an other bill conteining alltogether the selff same
matter, and write withe the same wordes, that they woulde
stande to the Iudgement off any other Arbitres who so euer,
beinge chosen indifferently by the other partie from amonge
oure countrie men, and leaue all thinges to them plainely and
symplie withowte anie exception or condition to be determined
and decided. But they would allowe no condition offred off
vs vnlesse we woulde firste, by the subscribinge off oure
names allowe that moste vniuste and vnreasonable condition
off thers, and by oure preiudice condemne oure Mynisters,
oure Discipline and all other thinges that we had donne. And
so by this meanes had opened a gapp to them to ouerth[r]owe
oure churche. And when they had thus behaued them selues
before Maister Bartue D. Cox and D. Sandes, yet certeine
off them (when nowe the marte was in the chieff flowre) re-
ported through owte the whole cytie that we had reiected their
most iuste and peaceable requestes and that we were allto-
gether troublesome men, and plainely bent to suffer no peace
nor quietnes, howbeit, we had rather that they shuld shewe
theis thinges that are false off vs to others, then that they
together with others shulde openly deride oure follie (yff we
had yelded to such requests) as they that with oure great toile
and trauell had (to the quiete off the churche) establyshed
some churche, and nowe vppon a suddaine by the subscrib-
inge off one bill thorough headinesse and foolishe facilitie
shulde haue ouerthrowen the whole. But they, when they

f 2

CTIII.

coulde not obtaine this, went abowte this verie buseiie, that
the whole churche might then be dissolued and broken vpp.
For Maister Chambers for halff a monethe space and more
would geue nothinge to anie man that remained in the churche,
and folowed not maister Home and him departinge from the
churche.

To certeine other also he woulde geue nothinge at all
whiche were in the publique Ministerie, to preache the word
and reade lectures, and also in the exercise of disputinge by
his owne appoyntemente and the order taken by Maister Home
alwais from the time sithens they came to oure churche,
when nowe they were for their bourde in debte to their hos-
tesses for 4. monethes, neither had don anie other faulte, vn-
lesse it were bicause they remained in their functions offpreach-
inge and readinge lectures in whiche they were placed by
Maister Home and Maister Chambers, leaste the churche
shuld altogether be destitute bothe off sermons and lectures :
Onely bicause in this dissention they agreed not with them
and tooke their partes, and had with them withdrawen them-
selues from the churche that it might be vtterlie scattered,
whe as notwithstandinge (which is moste vnhonest) they had
promised to geue 3. monethes warninge before they woulde
forsake them : whiche, notwithstandinge Maister Chambers
affirmed they woulde neuer do vnlesse it were that they were
const[r]ainedby extreamenecessitie. Abowte the middest off the
marte or a litle after ther begaiie a rumor to be spread off the
departure of maister Home and maister Chambers from this
citie, but whither they woulde go, or whither they woulde
at all departe, it was yet vncerteine. For neither was it likely
that maister Chambers hauinge gathered so muche common
mony, and that by the authoritie and in the name off the
churche seinge he had bin here so longe with owte makinge off
anie accoumpte to the churche, woulde go awaie in suche sorte.
Neither was it credible that M.'Horne, who had gouemed in
his pastorall office and charge so longe (no reconciliation
nor pacification beinge made for so great offences) woulde so de-

cv.

parte, yea, not so muche as haue taken his leaue of the church e.
In the meane time it is incredible to be spoken, but more
shameful to be hearde, what reportes certeine had spred that
marte tyme secretly and especially amonge the rycher sorte
that were able to helpe the poore off oure churche, forsoothe,
that there were certeine traitors amonge vs. That we desired
to knowe the names off those persons that were liberall to-
wardes the poore off oure churche, to the ende to betraie them
and vndoo them : That we had caste our Pastor and Ministers
owte headlonge from ther ministeries and offices. In all
whiche thinges, they went aboute nothinge ells but to stirre
vp newe braules and contentions. And that they maie alien-
ate the hartes off the welthie sorte from vs, and so bringe the
poore of oure churche, first to famine and then vs into deadly
hatred off them, as thoughe they were by vs throwen in to
theis miseries, But for as muche as all theis thinges are vaine
and vntrue, and fained by the secret sleightes off those priuie
whisperers, who dare speake nothinge openly : we haue
thought them rather to be contemned the to be answered :
hopinge that at laste when they are weary off lyinge, they will
be quiet. But iff they go forwarde still to belie vs so im-
pudently and outragiously, surely we will not neglecte oure
fame and honest estimation : but we wil diligently wipe awaie
all their slanders with one spunge, and there withall will open
to the worlde, their wicked endeauors against oure churche.
In the meane time nothinge distrustinge the lordes mercie
(how soeuer the deceites off men would let it) hopinge, that
neither liuinge nor foode shall euer want to oure poore con-
gregation, who also feedeth the rauens, and that he will all-
waies be present by his spirit to vs and to oure whole churche
continually whiche thinge that it maie please him to
bringe to passe, we beseche the good reader
(who so euer thow art) praie vnto god
togither with vs, and fare-
well.

ex.

Here folowithe the exhortation off the Magistrate for

the amendinge and establishinge off the

Discipline.

The Englishe Thus.

We think it Good and profitable for the establishinge off
peace and tranquililie off your churche, that yow altogether
consulte and determine, as concerninge the amendinge off
discipline, nowe, whiles ye all be yet priuate men and with-
ovvte anie Ecclesiasticall ministerie. For whiles none off
yow dothe yet knowe, wither he shall be a priuate person or
ells shall haue anie authoritie Ecclesiasticall, euerie man
will applie his minde, and studie to that whiche shall seme
moste reasonable and profitable aswell for the cogregation
as for the Mynisters. But after that the Mynisters be once
elected, it is to be feared leaste they will drawe some-
what more then reason to themselues, and in likewise the
congregation to it selff. And so, your cortsulation maie
chaunce to be somewhat troublous whiche we woulde not
shuld happen. Wherfore that all thinges maie procede as
well as maie be to the establishing off sure peace we exhorte
yow that with all spede ye take in hand this consultation
abowte the amendinge off your Discipline with mindes and
meanes moste aplyable to tranquillitie, which Allmightie God
graunt, ye maie happely bringe to passe. The first off
marche, 1557.

Iolm Glauburg.

CXI.

Nowe, folowith the discipline both the olde, and that

which was by the Magistrates appointement,

corrected.

The order off the olde discipline in the
Citie off Franckford.

There be 2. partes off the order off Discipline in the churche. The vide
The one perteininge to the whole churche. The other per- #&*>*«*
teininge to the ministers and Elders alone.

Off the flrste parte.

In the Discipline perteininge to the whole church, is flrste
to be apointed the order off receiuinge men into the congrega-
tion whiche is this.

The manner off receiuinge off all sortes off
personnes into the saide congre-
gation.

Fyrste, euerie one as well man as woman which desireth to
be receiued shall make a declaration or Confession off their
faithe, before the pastor and Seniors shewinge himselff fully to
consent and agree with doctrine of the churche and submittinge
themselues to the discipline off the same.

Iff anie person, so desirous to be receiued into the congre-
gation, be notoriously defamed or noted off any corrupt or
euill opinion in doctrine or slaunderous behauior in liffe, the
same maie not by the pastor and Elders be admitted till he
haue either purged himselff theroff, or ells haue declared him-
selff to the pastor and Elders penitent for the same.

The good behauiour and godly conuersation required

off such as are receiued.

f 4

CXII.

Secondarely all the members off the churche so admitted
and receiued shall diligently obserue and keepe all suche
Godlie Discipline and orders appointed with in the churche
whiche tend to the increasse off knowledge and godlynesse off
liffe, as the appointed times off praier, preachinge, and hear-
inge goddes worde, the administration off the Sacramentes,
with submission to all godly discipline off the churche.
Tlrisar- Thirdly, such also as beinge in England after knowledg
tidelfinde recejue(l haue communicated with the popishe masse contrary

rased m ' x ■*■ . , .

the co-pie, to their cosciences by reason of feare, weaknes, or other wise,
mlfbfit may not be receyued till they haue confessed their fall before
I know the pastor and seniors, and haue shewed themselues penitent

not. x

for the same.

How the youthe shalbe Catechised.

Also for the increase off Godly knowledg and vertue, all
the youthe shall resorte to the churche euerye satterdaie at 2.
off the clock at aftemoone, and when we haue a seuerall
churche at one off the clock on the sundaie at afternoone, there,
to be instructed in the Catechisme, and not to be admitted to
the communion till they be able to make profession off their
faith before the whole congregation. And also to haue an
honest testimony off tovvardnes in godly conuersation, and
that euery member off the churche do not refuse to reade a
declaration off their faithe before the pastor and Elders when
so euer they shall be therto required.

Thorder off correction, for priuate arid
priuie offences.

Fourthly, for as muche as no charge is so perfect but
offences maye arise, for godly charitable redressinge and
reforminge off suche, this order is to be obserued.

Firste, yff anie off the congregation be offensiue in manners
or doctrine to anie off the brethern, so that offence be priuate

CXIII.

and not publickly knowen, ther can be no better order deuised
then that which Christe himselff hathe apointed, which is, firste
brotherly to admonishe him alone, yff that do not preuaile :
call, one or 2. Witnesses, yff that also do not profit, then to
declare it to the pastor and elders, to wh5 the churche hath
geuen authoritie to take order in such cases according to the
qualitie and greuousnes off the offence and crime.

Off the order off correction for publick
and open crimes.

But yff anie person shalbe a notorious knowen offender
so as he is offensiue to the whole churche, then shall the pastor
and elders immediatlie call the offender before them andtrauell
with him to reduce him to true repetance and satisfyinge off
the congregation whiche, if he obstinately refuse to doo :
then the pastor shall signifie his offence and contempt to the
whole congregation : desiring them to praie for him, and fur-
ther to assigne him a daie to be denownced excommunicate be-
fore the churche, except in the meane time the offender submit
himself before the pastor and seniors to the order of discipline.

Finally, in case any person of this congregation beknowe
to be an hinderer or a defacer of anie of the godly vsages nowe
excercised in the same congregation, either priuely or apertly
by worde, letter, or dede : the same shall acknowledg his
offence with satisfaction to the churche, according to the true
order off Discipline.

The 2. parte off discipline concerninge the Ministers
and Elders, and their elections.

Firste for the election of ministers and Elders, the qualities
of the same are to be examined and considered according to
the rule off S. Paule. 1. Tim. 3, Wheroff this is the summe
That no man be elected whose doctrine or liffe can iustlie be
reproued and condemned. As concerning the order and forme
off Electing, the same is to be obserued whiche hathe already
bin practised and is here vnto anexed.

f 5

CXIIII.

Off ther offices and functions.

The pastor, according to die commaundement off the
holie ghoste in the scriptures, ought withall pastorall care
diligently to attende to his flock, in preaching goddes worde,
in ministring the Sacramentes, in example off Good lyffe,
in exhortinge, admonishinge, rebukinge, and as the chieff
mouthe off the churche, to open and declare all orders taken
by him and the elders whiche are to be opened and published :
to whom no man maie in the face off the congregation replye.
But yff anie think himselff to haue cause to speak let him
come before the elders in the place appointed for their meet-
inge and there to open his minde and to be hard with all
charitie indifferently.

The office off preachers and suche as are
lerned in the congregation.

The office off preachers and such as are lerned in the
churche is to assiste the pastor in preachinge the worde, mi-
nistringe the Sacraments and in all consultations and meetinges
off him and the Elders especially in causes off Doctrine, and
also at other tymes when they shall be required.

The office off Elders.

The office off Elders is to be (as it were) censors, ouerseers
off manners and disorders. And to be with the pastor in all
consultations, for the publick order off the churche, and that
all corrections and exercises off discipline be done with their
common consaile.

Deacons.

Consideringe also the present state off the churche, it is
thought requisite that the Deacons besides the speciall office
appointed in the Acts off the Apostells in caringe and prouidinge

cxv.

for the poore, do also visit the sick and be assistant in Cate-
chisinge the youthe yff they shall be ther vnto required.

The same order and forme is to be vsed for reformation off
offences and crimes in ministers and Elders vvhiche is described
for other offenders, and to be donne, towardes them rather
with more seueritie.

Now folowith the Discipline reformed and confirmed

by the authoritie off the churche and

Magistrate.

It is moste cumlie and godly, that Christian people resorte i,

together in place and time therunto by common consent %**.****
of j discipline.

appointed (yff the persecution off the vngodly will suffer the

same and they themselues haue no vrgent cause to the con-
trary) there to heare the pure doctrine off Gods worde taught,
and themselues openly with their presence and voice to de-
clare the consent off their hartes to the same, and to confesse
with their mouthe agreablely their belieff and faith vpon god
and his holy worde according to the scriptures.

The congregation thus assembled is a particuler visible 2.
churche such as maye be in diuers places off the worlde verie
manie. And all theis particuler churches ioined together not
in place (for that is not possible) but by the coniunction off
true doctrine and faithe in the same, do make one whole
churche in this worlde. And the electe off God that be in
this whole churche and euery parte theroff with all the elect
that hath bin from the beginninge off the worlde and shall be
to the ende theroff doo altogether make that holy catholike
and Apostolike churche, the spouse off oure sauiour Christe
whiche he hathe purified to him selff in his blood wheroff
mention is made in the creede. I beleue one holye Catholike
and Apostolike churche. But at this present oure considera-
tion muste be off the visible and particuler churche.

1 6

CXVI.

The signes and notes off a visible churche are thies. Firste,
true and godly doctrine. Secondly, the right ministration
and vse off the Sacramentes and common praier. Thirdly,
honest and godly liffe, yff not in the whole multitude, yet in
manie off them : fourthly, discipline, that is, the correction
off vices, but the 2. firste notes are suche as withowt the
whiche.no forme of anie godly visible churche can possibly be.
Wherfore, they be the principall and chieff notes. And ther-
fore we define a particuler churche visible, to be the congre-
gation off Christen men whither they be fewe or many assem-
blage together in place and time conuenient to heare Christes
true Doctrine taught, to vse his holy Sacramentes rightly and
to make their common praier together, in the whiche their
appearethe a studie off honest and godlie liffe and which
hathe in it a godly Discipline, that is to saie, ordinaunces and
decrees Ecclesiasticall for the presentation off comely order
and for the correction of vices.

Off the doctrine off the churche which
is the first note.

The Doctrine whiche we holde and professe in oure church
is the same that is taught in the canonicall bookes of the
holie bible, conteininge the olde testamente and the newe in
the whiche is conteined the true and liuelie worde off god
and the doctrine off helthe bothe as concerninge faithe and
godly lyffe, at full, sufficient for the saluation off all the
faithfull that vnfainedly beleue therin. The sumrae off the
whiche as concerninge faithe is briefly and truly compre-
hended in the 3. creeds, the common creede commonly called
the creed off the Apostells, the Nicene creed and the crede off
Athanasius : And as concerninge godly liffe, in the ten com-
maundementes, written in the xx. chapter off Exodus.

Off the Sacramentes^ and common praier
the second note.

CXVII.

We obserue ad kepe the forme and order off the ministra-
tion of the sacramentes and common praier, as it is set foorth
by the authoritie off the blessed kinge Edwarde off famous
memorie, in the laste booke off the English seruice : Wheroff
notwithstanding in the respecte off times and places and other
circumstances certeine rites and ceremonies appoynted in the
saied booke, as thinges in different, maie be left owte, as we
at this present doo.

The times and houres for the teachinge and hearing off
goddes worde and the ministration of the Sacramentes, and
saying and hearing of the comon praier, such as be nowe vsed,
or shall heare after by common cosent be thought moste meete
to be vsed, are to be kept and obserued off all men not hairing
laufull cause to the contrary.

Off the Ministers off the worde, Sacraments
and common praier.

It is thought expedient for the churche at this present, to
haue 2. Ministers or teachers off the worde elected, off doc-
trine and godly liffe, such as the rule off the scripture dothe
require as muche as maie be, And that the saide 2. Ministers
and teachers off the worde shall in all things and poynts be
off like authorite and neither of them superior or inferior to
other.

Item that the saied, 2. Ministers shall by themselues, or
fit persons by them and the Seniors in the name off the whole
congregation to be appointed, when necessarie cause shall so
require, preach the ordinarie Sermons on wensdaies, thurs-
daies and sondaies before noone, and after noone instruct and
Heare the examination off the youthe in the Catechisme,
on sondaye in the after noone at the howre accustomed,
and shall by them selues or other appoynted persons as
ys afore sayed Mynister the Sacramentes dewly, saye the
common prayers distinctly viset and comfort the sick spe-
cially at their last tyme and howre off deathe, bury the dead
comely, and obserue all other comely rites and vsages in the

10.

CXVIII.

churche directing all their behauiour actes and life accord-
ing to the rule off their vocation, set foorth in the holie scrip-
tures.

Item that sixe, either fewer or more, (as the habilitie off the
churche will beare) such as be Godly and haue nede off die
helpe off the churche, be appointed by the Ministers and
Seniors in the name off the whole congregation Wheroff 4.
to be well lerned, who shall reade and expownde the chapters,
and shall helpe the two ministers of the worde, when nede
shall require in the doctrine off the worde, Catechisinge off
youthe, Ministringe off the Sacramentes, sainge off common
praier and the other two or moo, shall aide also the saied
ministers Seniors and Deacons in visitinge of the sick and
seinge to strangers and in callinge off the congregation when
nede shall be, and in all other necessarie and comelie thinges
and rites to be done in the churche. Notwithstandinge, anie
other godly and lerned men whiche liue off them selues, and
be not burthenus to the churche maye helpe the Ministers off
the worde in the aboue named Ecclesiastical functions, iff
they themselues so will, and be ther vnto called by the saied
ministers and Seniors.

Item, for the further instruction off youthe and seruants it
is thought good," that besides the examination off children in
the Catechisme ordinarely vsed, the said children and seruants
with the whole congregation, shulde be all presente at oure
ordinarie sermon, to be made purposely for them on sondaies
at aftemoone, so lernedly that it be yet for their capacitie
most plaine and with all possible perspecuitie, and that one
tenor off Christian doctrine from the beginninge to the ende
be obserued and kepte in the saide sermon, off the whiche
no better forme in oure Judgement can be then Caluins Cate-
chisme, receiued in so manie churches, and translated into so
manie languages, yt is thought good therfore that the preacher
off the saied Catechisinge sermon followe the Good order
off that Catechisme in his sermons and confirme the godly
doctrine off the same by the scriptures, and after the same

CXIX.

•

sermon the common praier, and seruice to be exercised and
fynished as at other times.

Item, that the one preacher beinge sick the other shal doo u
or see donne by other fit persons, as is before saied all the
devvtie and dewties to the other so sick belonginge.

Item, that a lecture off diuinitie and disputations for the i_>.
exercise off students, yff it maie be, be mainteined, or ells
that prophesie be vsed euery fortnight in the Englishe tong,
for the exercise off the saied studentes and edifinge of the
congregation, or bothe disputations and Prophesie also, iff it
so shall seeme good vnto the ministers and Seniors.

Item, that such as shall therunto seeme moste meete off the 13.
congregation shall be appointed to translate into Englishe
some such bookes, as shall be profitable either for the in-
struction or for the comforte of oure countrie in this oure exile
and affliction off oure countrie.

Item, that the common bookes or librarie off the churche, 14.
be at the appoyntement off the minister and the Seniors in
such place as all the studentes maie moste conueniently come
vnto.

The thirde note, that is Christian liffe, and

Good workes the frutes off Godly

doctrine.

Item, we teache that such goode workes are to be done as ].-,
are commaunded by Goddes worde in the scriptures, such
euell deedes to be auoided as are forbiden by the same.

And where as concerninge the frutes off godly doctrine 16.
none is more commaunded in the scriptures then the relieu-
inge off the poore whiche either is donne priuately by euery
persone or ells by the common treasury off the churche, for
the good and right vse and order off the same : it apearethe
aswell by Goddes worde as by the examples off churches
rightly reformed, that bothe the keepinge and also the distri-
bution off the treasure of the churche apperteineth to the Dea-
cons : who be necessarie Ministers in the churche off Christe that

cxx.

withowte them it cannot well be. For Christe saith yow shall
haue alwaies poore men amonge yow. Wherfore they ought to
be honored of all men, and they them selues ought to haue
this opinion, that they highlie please god in that ministery.

17. Wherfore we think it expedient for the churche that 4. men
of speciall grauitie, authoritie, and credit, in the churche,
such as off them selues be able to Hue and will do this godlie
office rather for Christes sake and the loue they beare to him
and his poore flock, then for anie there owne necessitie or
worldly rewarde, be chosen to be Deacons, whiche 4. Dea-
cons shall haue the custodie off the treasure and distribution
off the same, and other almes off the churche remaininge in
their handes and kepinge, in suche sorte as it shall seem good
to the Ministers, seniors and Deacons for the moste saftie off
the said treasure.

18. Item, that although the Deacons haue in their custodie the
treasure of the churche, yet the ministers and seniors shall
haue knowledge off the whole summe of the sayd treasure.

Prouided allwaies that neither the saied 4. Deacons minis-
ters, Seniors, or anie off them shall haue anie knowledge or
make anie inquisition off the geuer or geuers of anie Almes to
the poore off the saied churche, otherwise then messinger or
bringer off the saied Allmes shall of himself declare, to whom
and as he hathe commission from the geuers so to doo, but that
the gifte be receauid and knowen and the geuer and geuers
names vnknowen and kept close with all possible secresie.

Item that the saied deacons once in a monethe, that is
the last daie of euery monethe shall make there accoumpts
before the ministers and seniors, howe the saied treasures
be bestowed, and that all the saied companie, so appointed
to make the accoumpt shall note the remains of the saied
treasure at the daie and yere in the whiche euery accoumpt
shall be taken.
2i Item, we thinke good and do decree, that there beinge a

schole in the saied churche (seing the saied scoole is a mem-
ber of the saied churche, as of the whole bodie) the treasure

l.M

2d

CXXI.

for thepr] maintenance and for the maintenance off the other
poore also be all one and ioyned together : that neither in the
procuring off the saied treasure, or in the distribution theroff,
anie occasion off diuision, emulation, or contention do happen
amonge them who ought to Hue togither like bretheren, and
members of one bodie in all concorde, coniunction and vnitie :
otherwise, the schole whiche is of it selff so worthie a mem-
ber off the bodie, maye by abuse, cause, not onely the hin-
derance, but also the destruction off the whole body.

Item, that in the distribution off the saied treasure a spe- 22.
ciall regarde be had off the saied studentes that be poore.
First, for that they be poore, and againe, for that they be
destinate to be workmen in the lordes vinearde, and so worthie
members in the bodie. And that as they be studious of the
scriptures specially, and yet with all of other liberal artes
also, as ministers and handemaides to the settinge foorth off
goddes worde, so they maie be liberally handled and receiue
goddes blessinge, whiche is the liberalitie off the godlie with-
owt the shame and abashment as the gift off god, who geueth
to all men and vpraideth no man.

Item, it rs decreed and also the whole congregation de- 23.
sirethe the Deacons monthlie to visit, and speake priuately
with the saied studentes, that be poore, and other poore also :
and to examin their states frindly and charitablie and according
to euery mannes necessitie, as the treasure of the churche will
beare, to offre to euerie one off them with obtestation to them,
that yff they haue no nede theroff they receiue it not. For
that were nothing ells but to robbe the nedie. for so shal bothe
the shamefastnes of the honest, and liberall natures be saued
and the treasure off the churche willingly spared. For he
that vpon suche obtestation will not refraine to receiue that is
offred, when he hathe no nede : will not be ashamed to begg
and craue when he hath no nede, and that not onely lyinge,
but also with periurie yf nede be.

Item, yf anie by euident profes, such as cannot be gaine 24
saied be foude to haue taken or vsed the treasure of the churche,

CXXII.

heauinge no nede therof that the, not onely he be exepted fro
anie more partakige off the saied treasure til it appere that he.
haue euident neede but also that he doo make therfore pub-
lique satisfaction, before he be admitted to the common.

25. Item, that the Seniors and Deacons se that the poore off
the[ir] congregation be not ydle but diligent in well doeinge.

26. Item, that iff ther be anie off the poore, sick, that then
foorthwith one of the Deacons resorte to them and presently
succor their necessitie, and the needy straungers off our nation
be holpen towardes their traueill and iourney, yfF the treasure
off the churche will beare it.

27. Item, that in case the treasure off the churche do faile or
wax thinne, that then such as be off the welthey sorte off the
congregation, shall quarterly contribute accordinge to their
habilitie and godly deuotion for the maintenance off the mi-
nisterie, poore, and studentes off the congregation. And the
same at euerie quarter daie to be deliuered into the handes off
the Deacons.

28. Item, we think Good that declaration be made by the
preachers off Goddes worde diuers tymes as iust occasion
will serue, how comely and profitable for Christes churche,
that all mennes liberalitie towardes the poore, do come to
the handes off the saied 4. Deacons, by them publickly in
the name off the whole churche to be ministred to the poore:
for by this rule, let not thy left hande knowe what they right
hande dothe maye beste be obserued : And the blowinge off
the trumpet before the almes geuer, and all worldly reward
off vaine commendation maie best be auoided : and so our
heauenly father, who seethe in secret, will rewarde euerie
man more abundantly in the daie off the reuelation off the
thoughts off all men.

29. Item we think good that certeine letters in the same sence
be written with an exhortation and hartie praier to all such
as will relieue the poore off oure congregation with their godly
liberalitie, that they will deliuer or send their charitable reliffe
to the saied 4. Deacons, commonly to be bestowed off them

CXXIII.

vppon all the poore, whither they be studentes or other ac-
cording to euerie mans necessitie : vvhiche the saied Deacons
and the churche here present can best knowe and Iudge,
rather then to committ the allmes to anie one persons hande,
to anie priuate vse, for the auoyding off sundry suspitions,
and many other inconueniences, that maie be then presently
and here after arise and ensewe off the same : And the saied
letters subscribed with as many handes off the congregation
as shall seme good, with a generall superscription to all such
as will charitably relieue the poore off oure congregation
with owt anye naminge off any persons, to be sent where
the Ministers Seniors and Deacons, or the more off them
shall think good by a most faithfull and discreet messinger,
to all places where such good men, by whose liberalitie the
churche is releiued, doe or maie resorte, that the sayed
letters maie by the sayed messinger be shewed as a testimonie
off credit to the said godly men in places and at times moste
conuenient.

This article folowing 29. I also finde
in the Copie.

Item, as concerning the relieffe the had at strangers handes, 30.
who be not off oure churche : such order is to be taken as shall
seme most expediet to the ministers of the worde and Sacra-
ments. It semeth that this article was put in, in place off the
former whiche they could not agree vppon.

Item, we thinke it expedient that the saied 4. Deacons be si.
charged neither with the helping off the Ministers in the
preaching off the worde neither in the Catechising off the
youthe, neither in ministringe off Sacramentes, or saing off
common praier : or specially the visiting off the sick, other
then the poore for the releiuing of their necessitie, as with
thinges perteininge to the office off Deaconshipp nor with any
other offices other the is expressedly declared in gods worde
apperteine to the Deacons : according to the rule off the whiche,

CXXIIII.

they shall by all meanes possible direct their doinges : The
summe wherofF is, diligently to receiue and kepe all, and all
manner off publik and priuate almes, and the same faithfully
to bestowe vpon the poore off Christes churche accordinge as
euery mannes necessitie shall requier : and by all meanes pos-
sible, as well by worde as by writing, to procure the mainte-
naunce off the saied treasure off the churche, so to their credit
committed. Notwithstandinge, it is not ment hereby, but that
anie off the saied Deacons, being lerned, when good occasion
shall therto serue, may preach or instruct the youthe in the
Catechisme, or doe anie other godly function wherunto they
shall be called.

32. Item, that where there is no godlier acte then to succor
such as be bothe sik and poore for that their burthen is moste
heauy, we think good, yff the habilitie off the churche will
extend therunto : that there be 4. graue and honest wemen
either widowes or wiues (such as haue nede of the helpe of
the churche) appointed and chosen with the consente off their
husbandes, to keepe the poore, when they be sike, and to
watche with them by course one after an other : and that they
haue therfore out off the treasure off the churche a certeine
stipende quarterly paide vnto them.

Off the Discipline off the churche which is
the 4. and laste note.

33. Firste, in all matters touchinge conscience, gods worde
is the perfect rule as well for those thinges whiche Christen
men ought to doe, as for such thinges as they are bownd to
abstaine from.

34. Item, in all controuersies ciuill, the ciuill or municipall
law off the countrie or citie where the churche is, is a sufficient
rule be obaied.

35. Item, all matters touchinge the congregation, or the mem-
bers off the same directly apperteining to neither off the
two former partes, Ecclesiasticall ordinance and discipline of

?,(,.

cxxv.

the saied churche, ought by all members off the same to be
obaied.

Item, although this vvorde Discipline generally doth con-
teine all Ecclesiasticall orders and ordinaunces, yet in this
place it is properly taken for the rule off owtward honest
orders and manners and off the punishiment and correction off
vices.

Item, for the execution off the whiche discipline to the 37.
mainteining of all comely order and vertue in the churche, and
correction off disorder and vice, it is agreed, that 6. men off
speciall grauitie, authoritie, and wisdom, suche as the rule off
the holy scriptures dothe set foorthe as muche as maie be shal
be chosen to be seniors, whiche 6. Seniors with the two Mi-
nisters off the worde shall haue the execution off the Disci-
pline and gouernement off the churche, and shall be reuerenced,
and in all thinges godly and reasonable obeied and reuerenced
of all persons in the congregation vnder paine off moste sharpe
discipline.

Prouided alwaies that the saied Ministers and seniors seue- 28.
rally and ioyntly, shall haue no authoritie to make anye manner
off decrees, or ordinances to bynd the congregation or anie
meber therof : but shall execute such ordinaces and decrees
as shal be made by the congregatio and to the deliuered.

Off the election off all Ministers.

Item it is agreed that all seniors, Deacons and all other 39
ministers (what so euer they be) the 2. teachers and ministers
off the worde onely excepted, shall ones a yere that is the first
daie off marche take an ende off their ministerie, what so euer
it be : And they from that daie, till a newe election be made,
which shalbe within one forthnight after the saied fyrste day
off marche (vnles some great causes incident do let the same)
shall be all priuate persons, as other mebers off the congre-
gation and so continewe still, till they be newe elected, to
the same, or other ministerie or office : euerie one off them yet
notwithstanding in the meane time, from the saied first daie

CXXVI.

off marche, till newe Ministers be elected, doing the dewtie
and dewties to your office belonging.

40. Item, that publick praier and fast be made before, and at the
election off all ministers, in time and continuaunce, as to the
congregation shall seme good.

41. Item, that before the election off the ministers, Seniors
and Deacons the places off the Scriptures for that purpos
most fit be openlye redd, and a Sermon to be made vppon
the same, As for the present purpose shall be most conue-
nient.

42. Item, that election be made by billis, euerie man bringing a
litle bill rolled vpp, the names off such persons appointed, as
they shall think moste meete for the office wherunto the
election is then made.

43. Item, that imposition off handes with praier be vsed at the
institution off the saied ministers, seniors, and Deacons, accord-
ing to the doctrine and examples off the Scriptures.

Off the callinge and assembling off
the congregation.

Item, that the ministers and Seniors thus electe, haue nowe
authoritie as the principall members off the congregation, to
gouerne the saied congregation accordinge to goddes worde,
and the discipline off the churche as is aforsaied : And also, to
call together and assemble the saied congregation for causes
and at times, as shall to them seme expedient.

Prouided allwaies that iff anie dissention shall happen
betweene the ministers and the seniors, or the more parte off
them and the bodie of the congregation or the more parte off
it : and that the saied ministers and Seniors in such contro-
uersie, beinge desired therto, will not assemble the congrega-
tion, that then the congregation maie of it selff cum together,
and consulte and determine as concerninge the said contro-
uersie or controuersies and the saied assembly to be a lawfull
congregation, and that which they the more parte of them so

14.

CXXVII.

assembling shall iudge or decree, the same to be a lawfull
decree and ordinaunce of sufficient force to bynde the whole
congregation and euery member off the same.

Item, that no man being sommoned or warned either by 45.
the ministers and Seniors or in the name off the congregation
so as afore is saied assembled, to appere in the congregation
shall absent himselff but vppon a lawfull cause, vnder paine
off discipline : And that none shall departe owt off the said
congregation so assembled till it be broken vp, with owt licence
off the whole or the more parte remaining, vppon paine of
discipline before the whole congregation therfore.

Item in case some do departe, that yet notwithstanding 4t;
those whiche still remaine (yff they be the greater parte) to
be a lawfull congregation : and that whiche they or the more
parte off them shall decree, to be a lawfull decree, off force to
bynde the whole body, ministers, seniors, Deacons and euerie
other member or members theroff withowt exception.

Item, that no checkinge or taunting be vsed in the saied 47.
congregation, by anie persons, vnder paine off Discipline, and
that in speakinge, all other shall holde their peace and keepe
silence : absteining also from priuate talke that all thinges
maie be donne comely and in order.

Item, that it shall be lawfull that euerie member off the 4«.
congregation, making protestation off licence before, to the
ministers, seniors, and the whole congregation, maie speak
his mynd in the congregation, so he speake quietly and not
againste goddes truthe, for in case he speake vngodly, that
then it shall be lawfull for the ministers, seniors, or anie off
them to commaunde him silence by and by.

The manner of receauing all sortes off persons
into the saied congregation.

Firste, for the auoidinge off all heresies and sectes in oure 49.
churches euery one aswell men as wemen which desier to be
receiued shall make a declaration, or confession off their faithe

CXXVIII.

before the ministers and elders, shewinge him selff fully to
consent and agree with the doctrine off the churche and sub-
mittinge them selues to the Discipline off the same, and the
same to testifie by subscribing therto yf they can wryte.

50. Item, yff anye person so desyrous to be receyued into the
congregation be notoriously defamed, or noted off any corrupt
behauiour, or euill opinion in doctrine, or slaunderous be-
hauiour in liffe, the same maie not by the Ministers and Elders
be admitted, till he haue either purged himselff theroff or ells
haue declared himselff to the ministers and elders penitent for
the same.

Off admission to the holie com-
munion.

51. Item, that none off the youthe be admitted to the commu-
nion till they be able to make profession off their faithe before
the whole congregation, and also to haue an honest testimony
off towardnes in godly conuersation.

52. Item, that none openly noted as an hereticke, sectarye
Idolater or other notorious offender, shall be admitted to the
communion, before he either purge or reconcile himselff
publiquely before the whole congregation, And that euery
member off the congregation do not refuse to render a decla-
ration off their faithe, before the Ministers and Elders, when
so euer they shall by them be therunto requyred.

Thorder off proceadinge to the execution off the

Discipline and correction off

offences.

53. For as muche as no churche is so perfect, but offences may
rise, for godly and charitable redressing and reforming off
suche, this order is to be obserued : Firste, yff anye off the
congregation be offensiue in manners or doctrine, to anie off
the brethern, so that the offence be priuate and not pub-

CXXIX.

lickely knowen, there can be no better order deuised then
that whiche Christe himselfF hathe appointed : whiche is
firste brotherly to admonishe him alone. Iff that do not
preuaile, to calle one or two witnesses : yflp that also do not
profit : Then to declare it to the Ministers and Elders :
To whom the congregation hathe geuen authoritie to take
order in suche cases accordinge to the Discipline off the
churche.

Item, that it maye be the better knowne, what is ment by 54.
this worde discipline, or correction off vice, we thinke that
there be 3. degrees off Ecc[l]esiasticall discipline : The first,
that the offender, acknowledg his faulte, and shewe himselff
penitent before the Ministers and the Seniors : The seconde,
that yff he will not so doe, as well his originall cryme as
also his contempt off the Ministers and Elders who haue the
authoritie off the churche, be openly declared by one off the
Ministers, before the whole congregation, and that he ther-
fore make satisfaction, bothe for his originall crime and also
for his contempt off the Ministers before the whole congre-
gation and that he be not admitted to the communion before
he haue satisfied. The thirde, that yff he remaine still obsti-
nate before the whole congregation after a tyme to him by
the whole congregation limited to repent in, he then shall
be openly denounced excommunicate which excommunica-
tion, seing it is the vttermoste penaltie off Ecclesiasticall
power, shall not therfore be executed, vntill the matter be
hard by the whole churche or such as it shall specially appoint
therunto.

Item, yff anie person shall be a notorious knowen offender
so as he is offensiue to the whole congregation, then shall the
Ministers and elders immediatly call the offendor before
them and trauell with him to reduce him to true repentaunce
and satisfyinge off the congregation. Whiche, yff he obsti-
natly refuse to do, then one off the Ministers shall signifie his
offence and contempte to the whole congregation, desyring
them to praie for him : and further to assijme him a dave to

cxxx.

be denownced excommunicate before the congregation : except
in the meane time the offendor submit himselff before the
whole congregation to the order off the discipline.

Item, that neither the Seniors and Ministers, nor the whole,
congregation shall medle in anie ciuill matters, as iudges
or determiners off the same, but onely as arbitres For peace
makinge, that the magistrates be troubled as litle as maye be
with oure controuersies : but in case the Seniors and [Ministers]
first, and afterwardes the congregation, or such as the con-
gregation shal appoint, can make no peaceable ende, by waye
off arbitrement, then the iudgement off the saied matters to
be referred to the Magistrates off the citie and there to be
ended.

Item, we thinke good for oure quietnes sake and for the
conseruinge off the good reporte of oure nation, that all mat-
ters and controuersies amonge oure selues, yff they cannot
priuately be pacified (whiche firste ought to be attempted) be
brought before the Seniors and Ministers and there to be
harde : And in case they cannot ende them, then afterward to
be referred to the whole congregation or such as the congre-
gation shall apoint to the hearinge and determininge theroff
yff they can : and that no matter be brought vnto the magis-
trate or senate, to hinder, derogate, or let the authoritie off the
churche or the discipline theroff, before theis waies be proued
vnder paine off discipline before the congregation, vnlesse the
thinge appeteine directly to the state off the citie, or offence
against the lawes, Senate, or magistrate, off the same. In
whiche cases euerie man maie and ought forthwith to com-
plaine to the magistrates.

Item, where as the best waie off Christian reconciliation is,
that the parties priuately betwene them selues agree : and the
next, that agrement be made by mediation off some paceable
and godly men : We decree that in case 2. 4. 6. moo or lesse
do consult amonge themselues, or trauell with the parties, for
peace making quietly and charitably, then the saied parties,
in so doinge, do nothinge against good order off discipline,

CXXXI.

but according to the devvtie and office off Christian and peace-
able men.

Item that the ministers and Seniors shall haue autho[ri]tie 59
to heare and determine, on the behalff off the whole churche
all offences (determinable by the congregation) committed by
any person in the congregation : vnlesse the partie called
before them haue iust occasion to take exceptions to the sayed
ministers and Seniors : or to appeale from them as not com-
petent iudges.

Item, yff anye haue iust occasion to take exception to some 60
off the Ministers and Seniors, and not to the more parte : that
then those off the Ministers and Seniors, to whom the ex-
ception is made, in this case shall not be iudges, but in this
case for the tyme remoued, from the ministery and that the
rest off the Ministers and Seniors to whom no exception
shall be made, with as manie off the congregation ioyned to
them, as they be in nomber whiche shall be excepted, shalbe
arbitres and iudges in the saied causes : and that the saied
persons so to be ioined to the Ministers and Seniors, shalbe
appointed by the congregation, the Ministers and seniors
not excepted, geuinge their voices as others off the congrega-
tion.

Item, yf exception be taken, to the more parte of the minis- 61.
ters and Seniors, that then the churche shall appointe 6. moo
to be Iudges with the reste off the ministers, agaynst whom
exception is not made : the same reste off the ministers hauing
their voices in the election off the 6. as other members off the
churche.

Item yff all the ministers and Seniors be suspected or 62.
founde parties, or yff anie appeale be made from them, that
then such appeale be made to the bodie off the congregation.
The ministers, seniors, and parties excepted. And that the
body off the congregation maye appoint so manie off the con-
gregatio to heare and determine the sayed matter or matters
as it shall seeme good to the congregation.

Item, iff anie person doo vniustly take exceptions to anie 63.
g 2

CXXXII.

off the Ministers or appeale from the whole ministery : that
then such persons, besides the punishement for the principall
cause shall also be punished as a contemner off the ministerie
and a disturber off the churche.
6i- Item, yff all the ministers and seniors from whom it shall

be appealed, as is aforesaied, shall saye and chalenge the
more parte off the congregation as not indifferent iudges,
that then they maye appeale from the congregation to the
magistrate, prouided that iff any minister or senior appeale to
the Magistrate and be founde to haue done it with owte iuste
cause that then, by that facte, he shall be remoued from his
ministerie and shall neuer after be admitted in the ministery
before he hathe made publick satisfaction for the same.

Item, that the Ministers and Seniors and euerie off them
be subiect to Ecclesiasticall Discipline and correction, as
other priuate members off the churche be. And that in case
anie person or persons accuse anie off the Ministers or elders
or the more parte off them, or them all, of anie crime or crimes
the same order off proceadinge in all pointes be vsed as it is
heretofore particulerly expressed in the making off the excep-
tion, to summ, or the more part, or all, the saied Ministers
and Seniors, as parties, or otherwise incompetent arbitres.

66. Item, that no accusation against any off the Ministers and
Seniors be admitted vnder 2. Witnesses at the leaste. And
that yff anie do vniustlie accuse the Ministers and Seniors or
any off them, that he or they shall therfore be moste sharply
disciplined as a cotemner and defacer of the ministerie and a
disturber off the whole churche.

67. Item, yf anie controuersie be vppon the dowtfull meaning
off anie worde or wordes in the discipline that first it be
referred to the ministers and Seniors. And yff they cannot
agree therupon, then the thing to be brought and referred to
the whole congregation.

Item, for the auoyding off occasion off contention hereafter
that bookes of discipline cocerning this churche hereto fore
made be of no effecte hereafter, but voyde and Canceled.

CXXXIII.

Item, that all bookes and writinges off recorde concern- 69.
ing actes and orders in this church e, be deliuered, and re-
maine in the custodie off the ministers and elders for the tyme
being.

Item, that a Register booke be kept by the ministers and 70.
Seniors off all suche names as be in the congregation and such
as shall be here after admitted to be written, in the same.

Item, that manages Christenings and burialls with the daye 71.
and yere theroff be registred in the same booke.

Item, for the auoyding all controuersyes, that hereafter 72.
maye happen, it is ordeined, that all testamentes and willes
made by any off oure nation, dyinge in this congregation, shall
be brought foorthe and exhibited to the Seniors off this con-
gregation for the tyme being, for a perpetuall testimonye off
the truthe in that behalff.

Item, that bicause all mennes doinges he vncerteine and 73.
changeable, the discipline and orders off the churche shalbe
read openly once euery quarter, and warninge theroff before,
shall be geuen to the whole congregation bothe, that euerie
member therof maye knovve their devvtie, and that euerie man
maye with libertie, quietly speak his minde for the chaunging
and amending of it or anye parte therof, according to goddes
worde, and the same exhibited in writinge with the arguments
and reasons off that his requeste.

The names off suche as subscribed to this

discipline, and were off the

churche.

Thomas Crawley Richard Alvaie.

Christopher Hales. Walter Franck

Thomas Ashley Richard Letter.

Edmond Oldsworth Richard Mason

Edmonde Sutton Richarde Beesley.
Thomas Acworth

g 3

CXXXIIII.

Richard Nagors
Robart beste.
Henry Reignoldes
Perciuall Harrington.
Richard Porter.
Magnus Elyof.
Henry Perry us
Iohn Browne
Dauid Whitthead
Iohn Mullins.
Iohn Redder.
Iohn Hales
Gre. Railton
Alexander nowell
Iohn Wilford
Iohn Fauconer
Thomas Serbis
Thomas Wilson
Iohn Bedell
Iohn Olde
lames Peers
Thomas Sandes
Edward Par point

Thomas Walker.
Iohn Kelke
Thomas Watts.
Leonarde parry
Robarte Crowley.
William Master
Laurance Kent.
Thomas Knolle
Peter sade
Iohn Fates
William Raulinges.
Thomas Water
Thomas Willobie
Edmond Tomson
Richard Luddington.
Thomas oldsworthe.
Edmond Harries.
Philipp Adishe.
Gawin dixson.
Iohn Geoffrie.
Anthony Donninge
Edward Colton.
Iohn Turpin.

The 21. off December 1557. theis were
added to the churche.

Sir Frances Knolls
Edward Boyes.
Iohn Browne.
Frances Wilforde.
Thomas Knot.
Thomas Donnell

Arthur e Saule
Richard Sandell
Robart loyner
Henry Wood
Richard Lynbroughe
Ralfe Selye.

cxxxv.

Henry Knolls Mighell Coke

Thomas Wilford. Thomas TodChamber

William Dauage Alaxender Nowell

Reignolde Baker. Iolin Ade

Robarte Hodgston Thomas Bagster.

Iohn Penteny Daniell Rogers.

Now that yow haue harde bothe the olde discipline, and
that whiche was by the authoritie off the magistrate deuised.
order requireth that I place here the reasons whiche Maister
Home and the rest off his side brought against the newe dis-
cipline established.

And to the ende this volume shuld not excede measure in
greatnes, I think it expedient to do here, as I haue done all-
ready, and minde to do through owt the whole story, whiche
is, off a leafe, to take, (as I might saie) a lyne or two, as one
lothe too weary yow sith a taste maie suffice.

To the 7. Article off the newe vii.

Discipline.

To the Article off 2. Ministers off like charge and autho- 13, Sept.
ritie we think we haue good reasons to require that there be f^'
no moo in the speciall burthen and charge pastorall then one, Chambers.
to whom the others ioyned with him for preachinge off the wu7tdivers
worde and ministringe the Sacraments shall not incure and others.
charge, gouernment and preheminence, be in all respectes
coequall.

The Reasons.

Firste, the scripture speakinge or treatinge of the office of
a Bishopp or minister, so speakethe as it were to be presup-
posed and as an order receiued, that one shuld in cure and
charge be burthened aboue other, and in gouernement, for
order sake, in preheminence.

g 4

CXXXVI.

Item the expositions off all auncient Authors and Wryters
vpon the scripturs that toucheth that matter do alltogether
as they seeme, to gather owte off the texte, conclude, de-
clare, and teache one Minister or pastor in respectes afore-
sayde preferred and charged aboue other and thus dothe the
newe also.

Item this order off one in cure, charge, and gouernement
preferred, haue all the churches to be red off, planted by the
Apostels and all others in the primatiue churche obserued,
whose examples off vs are not to be neglected.

Item, like as good reason off it selff forceth and concludeth :
so all good autors bothe newe and olde doo freely teache that
for conseruation off vnitie and Concorde and for auoidinge off
schismes and discorde, it is requisite and necessarie that a
prerogatiue and preheminence for cure, charge, and gouerne-
mente be committed and geuen to some one, to be (as it is
afore saide) charged aboue others.

Item, all the reformed churches off Germany for the moste
parte, be off that iudgement, and therfore obserue that
order.

Item, yff Nicene councell decreed and ordered, for good
order sake, that one Bishopp, and not many shulde be ap-
poynted to euerye one cytie, howe more is it off necessitie for
order sake that one litle flocke shulde be content with one.

Item, who is ignorant off this, that for the moste parte
wher not one but rather two muste haue the especiall cure
and charge, there commonly thinges be moste negligentlye
done and not so muche regarded and cared for as otherwise
they woulde be.

The answer off the churche, touchinge this 7. Article,
to the reasons off the dissenting

breth

ern.

To ike 1. We se not by the scriptures, that anie authoritie is geuen to
anie one aboue others, but rather to the contrary.

CXXXVII.

As concerninge olde wryters, we knowe that Ierome ex- Jo t/ie 2.
presly declarethe that in the beginninge the churche was Holes.
ruled equally by manie. But after when schismes began to ^J"^^1
springe the chiefe authoritie was geuen to one for authorities Mullins.
sake, and by mannes ordinaunce rather then by deuine autho- CmuZi
ritie, wherfore we coclude that as for schismes the firste order Boesley
of many was left ad one chiefe apointed. So nowe for the parry
auoidinge of tvranie a worse euell in the churche then schismes, " lfJU-

. . Sorby.

whiche, as apearethe by the Bishop of Rome is grownded vp- Bedell.
pon one, we thinke it good to returne to the firste order off two j^"^"'''
or moo equall ministers accordinge to the institution off the Cranky
Apostells as Saint Ierome teacheth. And that those lerned Sutton
men who do moste earnestly maintaine the gouernment off^"u/l"''s
one, confesse that vntill the tyme off Dionysius, who was after diuen
Christe 300. yeres and more, the Regimente was equally com- otu'',y-
mitted to manye. And as for the newe, there be examples off
the beste churche to the contrary. And Maister Caluin in the
8. Chap, off his Institutions the 42. and 52. dyuisions De-
clarethe expresly that there were From the beginninge more
Ministers off the worde and that it is but off mannes ordi-
naunce that one was afterwarde made chieff.

That is alleadged off the reformed churches in Germany To the 5.
the multitude ought to serue no more for one, then the best
reformed churches, for two ministers off the worde.

As concerninge Nicene councell it is before answered, To tlie 6.
and in that they decreed there shulde be but one, it conse-
quently folowithe that before the saide decree there were
many.

And iff those godly fathers were nowe lyuinge and did st
how Antechriste is established vppon one, they woulde more
gladly returne to the firste order off many equall for the auoid-
inge off that moste horrible mischieff. As they then did for
the auoidinge off Schismes appointe euery citie one.

g 5

CXXXVIII.

To the 7. Negligence is no more in two then one. habilitie off well

thouullic doinge thinges is more in two then in one. And siknesse

didsathen beinge so riffe in this citye, it is as muche as 2. can well doo,

not doo and one maie be sicke. And one maie willfully and suddenly

so nowel leaue his flocke,

warrant

yoic. Wherfore, two be necessary, ells, in the suddaine sicknes

off one onelie Minister, when manie other be sike also, dewe
visitation off the sike is not well seene to and preachinge
omitted, as it hathe chaiiced in oure churche, yea, and although
we haue many. And therfore reason tellethe vs that it is
expedient to haue two rather then one.

Home, &c. Vpon the 8. Artie.

Item, where it is prouided that the Ministers shall by them-
selues or their deputies dis[c]harge the sermons and other their
dueties when necessarie case shall so requyre : we saye it is
superfluous, for a necessarie cause nede the not to be pro-
uided for by lawe : besides that the alowinge off deputies by
lawe made for that purpose openethe a windowe off negli-
gence to the ministers in the executinge off their office.

Whitthead, &c.

A lawe dothe well prouide that suche maye be in a redynes
whiche shall serue in necessitie, It is prouided in manye
cities, by a lawe that in dreade off fier euerie man haue a bucket
off water at his dore, whiche is a thinge necessarie. And vni-
uersally the multitude off good lawes be grownded vppon
causes necessarye. Wherfore, we think that position, that ne-
cessarie causes nede not to be prouided for by a lawe, ought
to be taken for no lawe : and where it is alleadged that it open-
ethe a windowe off negligence to the Ministers, it is not so,
for the appointemente off those deputies apperteinethe more
to the Seniors then to the Ministers by oure discipline.

Home &c. Artie. 10.

CXXXIX.

Item, in the Article of Catechisme, we think it is super-
fluous and tedious to haue 2. Catechismes in one after noone
And also think that Maister Caluins Catechisme ought to be
vsed no otherwise with vs then it is in Caluins churche that
alloweth and vseth the same.

Whithead &c.

The first Catechisme is onely ordred for the children and is
but an examination and apposinge off them. The other is not
onely for children but for all the congregation, &c.

Now, for so muche as the reasons and answers are verye
long and yet some off them repeated, in Maister Homes ob-
jections to the discipline whiche he offred vpp to the Magis-
trate, I will here passe them ouer and come to the saied ob-
jections, and the answers off the church to the same.

Home and the rest off his side to
the Magistrate.

We come to that nowe (right honorable S.) whiche we
were charged to doo by your commaundment and appointe-
ment : that for as much as for the apeasinge and finall put-
ting awaie off the contention betweene vs and oure brethern,

o

we shulde shewe why we dissente from them, and cannot pro-
ceade in the same passage and waye that they doo : We shall
so open vnto yow oure defence and cause euen as we desier to
be iustified bothe in oure cosciences and before god. How-
beit, we are verye sory that your H. Hathe lymited vs so
shorte tyme, so as in a cause whiche (for the waightines ad
difficultie off it) ought to be debated vppon with more leasure,
and verie manye thinges to be wayed to and fro, we muste off
force in a manner holde oure peace and say nothing.

But oure truste is that your H. will heareafter remedy
this displeasure, in grauntinge vs longer tyme that we maye
more amplie hereafter confirme oure cause, whiche we are

o G

CXL.

forced to set foorthe naked and with owte anie defence at all
whiche we will moste gladly doo and desier that we maie
freely be permitted to doo. This is the thinge that we often
sought for when we consulted amonge oure brethern for the
correctinge and amendinge off oure discipline, that, as longe
as the matter and cause was in consultation, we might so
longe polishe and finishe more at large that was alleadged, to
adde vnto all oure sentences, before the sentences brought in,
and to strike owte and take awaie from them yff ought semed
worthie to be taken awaie, albeit any thinge were put in, as
flrme and established by oure subscription : Whiche thinge
we no we eftsonnes desier moste earnestly at your H. Handes.
that for as muche as nothinge is yet concluded and deter-
mined by your H. there be no such preiudice obiected vnto
oure cause, but that we maye confirme all oure allegations
with firme and available argumentes.

And in deede, seinge we muste nowe intreate in order oft'
those thinges whiche we reprehende and condeinne in oure
bretherns made Discipline : This we first reprehend vniuer-
sally, that any other alteration or innouation off thinges shuld
be in oure affaiers then suche as serue onely to the correct-
inge and amendinge off that Discipline whiche hathe byn
heretofore receaued and vsed in oure churche. Wherin, we
will seeme also somewhat to satisfie oure bretherns curious
mindes. This we saie, bicause there is almoste nothinge
that we think is to be innouated with suche poste haste and
in dede, there are many and waightie causes whiche do all-
together pull vs backe from theis innouations, and byd vs
stick still to oure olde discipline, and not for the pleasure off
some men, and contrary also to your commaundement (geuen
for the amendinge and not for the makinge off any newe
Discipline) to contemne and caste away that whiche so many
haue alowed.

Whithead and the rest off that side answere
in this wise.

CXLI.

We had purposed (right honorable a[n]d righteous Magis-
trates) as we also signified vnto your honours) to haue made
no answere at all vnto theis vnbrotherly reproches off Maister
Home and Maister Chambers (for they are the onely Authors
theroff) in as muche as they be vnworthy to be answered
vnto, seinge they haue no sure grownds, but bare assertions
onely, whiche are as easilie denied as affirmed. And be-
sides that Maister Home saide openly in the hearinge off
all his complyces, before Maister Bartue D. Cox and D.
Sandes, arbytres appointed by your authoritie, that he was
not desyrous that we shulde answere, wherin indede, he was
not altogether a foole. For he knewe well ynough howe
fond geare he had written, and would beare awaie this bragg
the while, not as though we woulde not, but coulde not
answere so light accusations. Whiche petit bragg (Wherin
he so muche deliteth) we woulde haue byn content to haue
spared him, had not your authoritie (who thought it meete
for vs in anie wise to make answere) come betweene : And in
case Maister Home and Maister Chambers shall reade some
thinges here in oure answere that they woulde not, let
them remember that they haue driuen vs to it, in that they
haue blustred owte in wrytinge so vnworthie matters (and
that so falsely) off suche a multitude off their banished
countrie men. for they (Forgettinge all humanitie and Good
manner), obiecte before the Magistrate (and that often)
pouertie to a great manye off oures nowe in exile as a most
highe reproche. What then ? Are they banished and poore
willingly or parforce ? Were they not and might they not
(yflT they set more by goodes then godlynesse, be richer ?
And whens haue they this pouertie whiche ye Maister Home
and maister Chabers caste so tauntingly in their teeth ? And
whence haue ye this plentye wherby ye looke so high againste
your brethem ? Surely yow ought to haue aduised your selff,
seinge ye carry the common purse, before ye had so rashly
and so vndiscreetly published theis words vnto the right
honorable Magistrate, with the reproche off your selff and off

CXLII.

your countrie men. In dede we woulde haue sufFred theis
(as common reproches) to be buried in perpetuall silence iff
it semed not otherwise meete to the right honorable magis-
trate, (whose authoritie we obeyinge as yt becomethe vs) shall
answere particulerly vnto all the particuler chapters off your
assertions.

To the preface.

Where Maister Home and Maister Chambers desire li-
cence to saie and vnsaie, to put too and take fro, to subscribe,
and reuoke, to doo, and vndoo all, as they think good them-
selues, they seeme to require their owne right : for they desier
no other then that they haue byn vsed hitherto to doo, as it is
moste euidently knowen almost to all the whole congrega-
tion, notwithstading this (albeit) it is againste S. Paules rule,
who denieth it to be his propertie to saie yea and nay, nether
haue we anye more merueil, that the same Maister Home
and Maister Chambers think the olde Discipline is to be
reteined still as a thinge that bothe hathe permitted them
free libertie to doo yet hitherto what they woulde at their
owne pleasure, and shewethe no waye howe to amende those
matters that they haue don a misse a great while. And yet bi-
cause we haue prouided by the authoritie bothe off the magis-
trat and off the congregation that the like shall not happen
hereafter, they accuse vs off innouation forsoothe. Where
they make cauillation aboute discipline to be amended and
not to be newe made, and accuse vs as though we haue done
against the magistrates commaundement : We answere that
all occasions off oure olde controuersies were taken awaye by
the magistrates commaundement the laste off February : but
the olde Discipline, as a thing not perfect nor indifferent hathe
byn the speciall cause off our controuersies in dede : Ther-
fore we affirme that it was taken awaye by that commaunde-
mente, and power geuen to the congregation to make an
other, as it is declared in the plaine wordes off the same com-

CXLIII.

maun dement : Further more, for as muche as we haue kepte
still the greateste parte off the olde discipline whiche semed in-
different as it apeareth euidently in the booke off oure disci-
pline, let them call it (seinge it so pleaseth them) the amend-
inge off the olde discipline, in asmuche as to amende, is
nothinge ells than to correcte that which is amisse, to put
owte that is euell and to put in that is wantinge.

Therfore, whither they call it oure newe made discipline
or the olde amended, we will not striue with them abowte
that matter, seinge, we geue them leaue to speak at their plea-
sure. Onely we declare that we haue done nothinge against
the magistrates commaundement in that behalff.

Obiection to the title off the
Discipline.

In the tytle and entrance vnto their Discipline we reproue Harm.
this as plaine false in that they saye the booke off their dis-
cipline was collected by 15. men appointed do doo the same Yet olde
by the congregation and the authoritie off the Magistrate, and f^r
so exhibited afterwarde vnto oure congregation by the same MM
15. men. For it was bothe collected before the matter was almesman,
committed vnto them and confirmed before hande by many y^M™1
mennes handes subscribed. of L. to

Touchinge the 42. Whiche approued this discipline and ST**
confirmed it by subscribinge, this we maie alleadge there are booke °fi
24. off the whiche lyue off other mennes liberalise and almes, oSJ'
so as they maye seeme rather to followe other mennes wills, others'

. . ' more

and to be inclined to their pleasures : specially, seinge so large blyndeihen

and ample promises aswell to Hue at libertie as to haue their

slender liuinge releued, haue byn made to this intent.

Maister Home and Maister Chambers denie the booke off WhxOead
discipline to be collected by the 15 men, bycause they beinge
appointed off the 15. haue labored by all means that nothinge
shulde be donne for the settinge off the congregation at a

CXLIIII.

quyet staye. And when they perceiued that they could not
hinder it, they came not with the reste, the 2. laste daies
accordinge to appointmet so as by that meanes, some of the
iuste nober off 15. men shulde be wantinge. was not the booke
therfore bothe Lawfully collected and lawfully exhibited to the
congregation bycause 2. or 3. off the appointed men withdrew
themselues againste right and equitie ? What shulde be deter-
mined in anie affaires, yff the matter shuld tarie, till alto-
gether (not one except) shulde agree throughly in all pointes ?
Where they saie the booke was collected before this matter
was committed to the 15. men is it a plaine slaunder. Maister
Home and Maister Chambers might be iustly ashamed to
cast pouertie in oure bretherns teeth nowe in exile (and that
before the Magistrate) and to lye so openly, that 24. off oure
company that subscribed lyue off other mennes almes. x\nd
yff so manye poore men haue for saken Maister purse bearer
Chambers is it not a plaine matter that they haue byn euell
intreated at Chambers hande before tyme ? But where they
gather that the poore men seeme to haue folowed other
mennes myndes in subscribinge to the Discipline, rather then
their owne : it is fondly gathered : in asmuche as on the con-
trary parte it is moste true that they whiche (were they poore
men) folowid not Chambers when he ranne a Waye with
the bagge, regarded their conscience more then the lyuinge
forsomuche as bothe they and all other might be certeinly
assured that they shulde moste greuously offend not onely
the purse bearer Chambers but allso two or three other off
the richer sorte off oure congregation. But howe muche
more iustly might we returne this accusatio (which they falsely
bend againste oures) vpon M. Home and M. Chamb. and
manye other off their nomber whiche haue folowed Chamb. in
runninge awaye from the congregation, bycause he caried
and shewed them a well stuffed powche, as it were a stan-
dard to followe. for neither Maister Chambers nor Maister
Home durst euer haue departed from the congregation as
they haue done but vppon truste off the powche, which the

CXLV.

one hathe allwayes borne, and the other hath byri euer an
inseparable waiter vppon, where so euer it were caried : and
and yet in the meane while, this gaye fellowe Home, from
alofte contemneth so great a company off his countrie men,
as beggers and caitiues in comparison off himselff.

But in case there be so many amonge vs that liue off
other mennes almes, as Maister Home and Maister Cham-
bers do reason. And seinge Maister Chambers tooke vppon
him especially at the intreaty off Maister Home, the charge
off gathering godlye mens almes publickely in the name of
the churche, for the relieff off the poore off oure congrega-
tion as it is already knowen vnto many and shall hereafter
by the whole matter seuerally setforth, be moste euidently
knowen to moo : what mercie and pitye is this off thers
towardes their brethern to leaue so many miserable people
behinde them, contrary to their promesse made to the con-
gregation, and to runne awaie not onely from the congrega-
tion, but also owte off the cytye snappinge awaie the bagge
with them (whiche conteinethe many mennes almes gathered
for the poore in the name off the congregation, and to leaue
them all destitute, and also to leaue certeine preachers ap-
pointed by them (whiche haue serued the churche a yere and
more, and to whom they promised that they shulde lack
nothing) in a great deale off dett to other men for their neces-
sary bourde I

And where they playe such prankes, they caste our bre-
thern in the teeth still with pouertie, by the waie off reproche,
before the Magistrate. Let them go too therfore, seinge their
pleasure is suche and nomber their owne copanye and leaue
owte their seruauntes, their boyes, and suche as depende
vppon Chambers purse (for he hathe made it his owne, and
dedicated it to his owne propertie) and let them tell vs then,
howe many there be left on their parte, yff they be not ashamed
to tell howe manie they be : Where we did comforte our
poore brethern to oure power whom Chambers running awaye

CXLVI.

with the hagge Had made astonished, and woulde haue had
them vtterly discouraged, they lay it to oure charge as euell
done : what is there manifeste declaration els but that the poore
of our congregation shuld be vtterly destitute not onely of
relieff but also off all hope of reliefe whiche hathe euer bin the
vttermoste comforte off suche as be in myserie.

In the Discipline it selff an obiection.
Home. The next thinge nowe where in we agree not, is, that

whiche is spoken off the 2. newe Ministers. This they treat
vppon in the 7. Article. This we defende, that the scripture
doth leane and inclyne rather vnto one, than vnto 2. whiche
one, as he muste not be aboue the reste by lordeshipp, so yet
ought he to be aboue other in charge and in burthe, in as
muche as he muste nedes geue a greater accoumpte, then the
reste for the flock comitted vnto him and to his charge. Theis
we are able to proue. Firste, by the circumstances off the
places off scriptures considered, secondly, by the interpreta-
cions off auncient fathers, and the best lerned men off oure
tyme or latter daies. Thirdly, in the examples of the churches
instituted by the Apostells, and most holy men after their
tyme, foorthly, this newe order off 2. Ministers or moo, hathe
bene (as all the wyseste men haue alwaies reasoned) the seeds
ad fountains of all dissentions and cotentions. And like as
for order sake and for conseruation off the churches in peace,
oure elders thought, that one shulde necessarely be aboue the
reste : so also in this oure remembrance, the greatest lerned
men as Caluin, Brentius, and many other do think. Off theis
matters the beste instituted and reformed churches in Germany
can also be the beste witnesses. Theis, we professe that we
bothe can and will more largely shewe as farther occasion shal
hereafter serue, whiche we cannot doo nowe for that we be
lymited to so short a time.

The answere.
Whithead. As concerninge the two Ministers off the worde. We

CXLV1I.

affirme that it is lawful] by the worde off God to haue either
2. or moo.

Where theis men saye the scriptures do leane rather to
one that is to affirme onely, and to proue nothinge, where as
Paule almoste in all his Epistles writeth allwaies as vnto
moo off equall authoritie in euerie churche and not as vnto one
principall. Where they alleadge the ancient Doctors, Ierome
whiche is the moste diligent in Histone matters, reporteth
moste plainly that in the beginninge there were many,
and afterwarde for the auoidinge of dissentions, the chieff
authoritie was comitted vnto one as the chieff. But yet saithe
he, that was donne rather by the statute off men then by the
authoritie off God. Where they speake so muche off the
mischiffe off contention in the churche, we confesse it is a great
euell, But, that tyranny is a more pestiferous destruction to
the churche, and that tyranny crept into the churche by one,
the Bishopp off Rome, maye teache vs at large. Therfore, for
as muche as bothe waies, either by one or by moo, euells
maie happen, we thought good to beware more diligently of
the greater euell. Where they bringe in Caluin for one, we
maruell with what face they can do that seinge it is owte off'
all dowte, that he vpon one daie and in one houre instituted
two Ministers off equall authoritie in all thinges in the En-
glishe congregation whiche is at Geneua. And also seinge
that in the 8. chapter and 42. and 52. diuisions off his Chris-
tian Institution, he declareth openly that there were from the
beginninge moo ministers off the worde off' equall authoritie
in the churche off Christe. Where they alleage the examples
off the churches off Germany we also want not examples off
the dutche churche at Emden wherin their be 3. Ministers off'
the worde off equall authoritie. And off the frenche churche
off this Citie, and off the Englishe churche off Geneua, yea
and Caluin himselff is counted superior to his felowes not by
authoritie off office, but in respect, off his lerningc and merites.
Therfore in asmuche as it is also permitted vnto vs by the
magistrates appointement, to chuse one or moo : let them

CXLVIII.

leaue their wranglinge for a thinge indifferent, as though it
were for lyffe and lande. Where they professe that they will
make large proffe off this matter at leysure, let them professe
theis gaye glorious promyses so longe as they will, so they
knowe the longer they labor in this matter, so muche lesse
shall they bothe shewe and bringe to passe.

The obiection to the 8. Article.

Home. in the 8. Article Ministers committ and assigne the burthen

and cure (wherwith they are charged) vnto others with ouer
muche facilitie : We demaund also this, whiche appeareth not
plainly inough in their Discipline, to whom perteineth it to
allowe their allegations and excuses, when they will leaue
their charges vnto others.

The answere.

Whitliead. What inhumanitie is it, not to be content, that the ministers off
the worde (vpon waightie causes, as sicknes or vrgent busines
off importance) shuld be eased off their burthens ? as though
they that fynde faulte at this nowe, permitted not the same to
themselues before, rough againste other, and ouer fauorable to
themselues.

And where they demaunde vnto whom it perteinethe to
allowe their lawfull causes, we wonder, that they, nother
redde ioyntly in the same place the name off Seniors, to whom
the matter is committed, nor remember that generall pointe in
the 36. article, that the gouernement off the whole churche is
committed to the ministers and Seniors.

The obiection to the 13. Article.

Home. We allowe the translatinge off bookes. But that so open

a lawe shulde be made for that matter, that is the thinge we
fynde fault withe. For it bothe conteineth that whiche is a
pestilent matter to oure congregation, by meanes off danger off

CXLIX.

such as are wont to traueile as strangers vpp hither vnto vs
owt of Englande, as also it maie be reprehended in that it
semeth to smell and tend openly to the priuate commoditie off
some men.

The an s were.

Where it is signified that certeine bookes godly and fitt Whithead.
either to instructe, or comforte oure countrie men in this
calamitie off oures and off oure countre, shuld be translated
in to our tonge then the which e there can be nothinge more
profitable or necessarie, they saie it is a pestilente matter
forsoothe, bicause it is so openly mentioned : as though by
speaking nothinge, it might be perswaded that we do nothinge
here but slepe for wher they add towching the priuate com-
moditie off some in so common a profit, we cannot gesse what
that meanethe in as muche as all men that haue in theis mise-
rable daies, yet hitherto caused bookes to be set foorthe in
oure tonge haue rather lost then wonne by them.

The obiection to the 16. Article.

In the 16. Article the custodie off the treasure off the Home.
churche perteineth not necessarily to the Deacons by the worde
off God. And at this daye many reformed churches do not ob-
serue it and moreouer it semethe more profitable vnto oure
congregation to haue it otherwise. Fowrthly the moste parte
off the auntientest churches keepe a plaine other custome.

The an s were.

Iff they be able to shewe so plaine a place in all the whole whithead.
Scripture for anie other that ought to haue the custodie off
the treasure off the churche as is in the 6. off the Actes off
the Apostells, for the Deacones, we yelde vnto them. Yea,
and Caluin shall yelde also (whose name they oftentimes
wonderous confidently and falsely alleadge) who, in the
8. Chapter off the Institution off a Christen man in the
55. diuision, thinketh plainly as we doo, aswell concern-

CL.

inge the custodie, as the distribution off all churche mony
and vtterethe the same in plaine wordes. In the primatiue
churche, saith he, the Deacons receaued (euen as it was vnder
the apostells) faithfull peoples dayly oblations and the yerely
reuenevves off the churche, to thentent they shuld bestowe
them vppon true vses. We desier them nowe to shevve vs
more plainly, vnto what other men that charge dothe rather
belonge then to the deacons, &c. But they saye manie reformed
churches obserue not this, ad that it will be more profitable
for oure congregatio to haue it otherwise : And that the moste
parte of the auncietest churches keepe still an other custome.
This (as we sayde before) is onely to affirme, and proue no-
thinge. But thus they doo almoste allwaies. But where they
speake off the auntientest churches, we beleue, they meane the
popishe churches, but would not for shame vtter it : or ells let
them shewe vs what auncient churches those be, yet this we
maye not ouerpasse how that they affirme that it will be pro-
fitable for oure churche to haue it otherwise : that is, that one,
as it is nowe, haue the custodie alone, know alone, and distri-
bute the churche mony alone and make accoumpt alone, and
to himselff alone. But we are ready to proue either to the
magistrate, or to the worlde (in case the Magistrate so permit
it) bothe by testimonies, reasons, and matters in dede, that this
is not onely not profitable, but also it hathe and is vtterly per-
nitious, and to the plaine vndooinge off oure churche.

The obiection to the 17. Article.

Home. Vie fynde faulte, that the election off the Deacons is not

free ynough. For the riche men muste be allwaies taken.
Also in that they ought to depend vppon the will and councell
off the elders, where nowe a great parte off the elders bothe
Hue and depende vpon the Deacons puree. There mouth ther-
fore semethe to be stopped, so as they dare neuer reproue and
ouersore correcte the Deacons when they offende.

CLI.

The an s were.

There was neuer man that was in his right witt whiche Whithead.
denied it to be moste profitable for the churche, to haue suche
men chosen to be Deacons, as the least suspition can be had
in. Where Home and Chambers affirme that a great parte
off the Elders liue and depend vpon the Deacons puree, is is
a plaine slaunderous reporte.

But admit there be one or two amonge them off the poorer
sorte that shall perhapps haue nede nowe and then off some
relieff off the churche monie. Do not yow (Home and
Chambers) knowe that they haue byn richer in tymes paste,
and excepte they preferred Religion to riches, maye be richer
when they will ? And nowe as they are become willingly
banished men, so are they willinglye poore men for the same
Religions sake that ye will seeme to professe ? Wherfore then
had ye rather enuiously to reprehend pouertie in suche a one
then gentlie to comend so great a vertue, but that ye are driuen
hereto by griefe of your stomakes through malice. What?
Dothe Paule require welthe in Elders (as ye doo) or vertue ? Go
too, and shewe vs owte off Paule that this your puree welthe,
is so necessary in an elder : We dare affirme that suche a one
shulde haue byn off more authoritie with Paule as also with
all men that be godly, and more worthie to be an elder by
reason off his pouertie, for the whiche he is so contemned at
your hande. But poore elders dare not (ye muste vnderstande)
reproue offendinge Deacons : Do not yow Home and Cham-
bers knowe that in the primatiue churche, Bishopps them-
selues, had their appointed liuinge owte off the treasure off
the churche, whiche was in the Deacons handes : and yet the
Deacons (in case they did amisse) were neuer the lesse sharply
corrected off them ? And yet theis men that requier such
ruffling riche elders, woulde haue Deacons off the poorer sorte.
But by what example, and by what reason ? why cannot ye
beinge Christians be content in exile aswell with poore Elders
as with poore Deacons ? we remember that one off yow saied
openly in our hearinge, and in the hearing of manie other that

CLII.

yow coulde not with your conscience be vnder such ministers
and such Seniors as oure church hathe nowe chosen. If ye
can finde no other faulte in them then willfull pouertie, the
congregation also can not repent them yet off the ministers and
Seniors whom they haue chosen : and as for this pure con-
science off yours we passe not for it. But we think, yff welthe
be to respected in anie that is in Ecclesiasticall Ministery it is
to be respected chiefly in Deacons, that they medle with the
churche monie with owte sinistre suspition. In dede abowte
4. monethes paste, ye had Deacons, surely honest men we
sale not nay, but yet suche as for their slender abilitie ye
made such vnderlinges, that ye brought not onelie the honest
Good men but also the ministerie off Deacons (to the great
iniurie off the apostells ordinaunce) into very muche con-
tempte. And in case we haue thought Good to be ware (by
all meanes) off that euill, ye ought not to haue byn greued at
it, but rather to haue reioised in the churches behalff. But
herein there is. one great sinne, that this is not done by yow,
but rather against your mindes seinge ye think nothinge to be
right, nor anie thinge to stande in force vnlesse it proceede off
yow.

The obiection against the 18.
Article.

Home. The ministers shall be prime howe muche monie ther is,

but not howe it is bestowed. This is agalste the custome of
WStT the auncientest and beste instituted churches, and contrary to
kcYcement the Iudgemente and mynde off the greatest lerned men that
ThopTpow be in theis daies as Caluin and others, whiche as they permit
te2. the distribution vnto the Deacons, euen so, will they haue it
letters donne at the arbitrement and appointment off the Elders.

before.

The answere.
Wkithead. The Ministers (saie they) shall be priuie how muche monie

CLIN.

there is, but not how it is bestowed. Where find yow in
oure booke theis wordes : (but not how it is bestowed ?) And
yet when he hath added it, off his owne, lorde, howe he
triumpheth here off the custome off the moste auncientest
churches, off the mindes off the greatest lerned men, namely
Maister Caluin, &c. In this matter the man truly semethe
not to haue wanted space and tyme wheroff he had to muche
to write so fonde vanities, but that he lacked his eye sight and
some what ells besides.

The objection against the 19. Article.

Albeit they would couer the matter, yet by makinge off Home.
lawes, they make al openly knowen : For they disclose thus
muche, that we sende owte oure gatherers to bringe other
mennes liberalitie vnto vs : whiche thinge shall bringe great
daunger to many in as muche as the enemyes off oure religion
will easilie conjecture from whom this so great libiralitie
cometh.

The answere.

There is a great fore sight in theis men that they can re- Wldthead,
prehende that thinge in vs whiche they themselues haue done
nowe alreadie theis 3 yeres but it is wel knowe that they send
owte their gatherers, no more then it is, that we be at Franck-
ford. And then he addeth that the ennemies maye easilie
coniecture from whom this so great liberalitie commethe.
We wonder what he meaneth or howe muche it is that he
calleth so great. Dothe Chambers at vnwarres meane the
greatnesse off his puree ? for as for vs we haue yet hitherto
sent owte no bodie to gather, muche lesse haue we receiued
anie thinge by anye gatherer.

The obiection against the 21. Article.
We wotc not what they meane by the s:oole. but howe Horn.

CLIIII.

so euer the matter is, it shall annoye vs verie muche, yff they
builde vp so many thinges with so solemne a profession, and
shall bringe oure adversaries into such a suspition, that we re-
ceiue muche more off other men then commeth to oure handes
in dede. And this shall comme off it that verie many shall
for oure sakes be moste straitly handled and examined.

The answere.

WhUhead. What yff 2 or 3 Papistes liste to lie, that we receiue many
thousands, shall this breed great daunger to vs and others,
and shal many be moste straitly handled and examined ther-
fore ? They maye faine daungers owte off euerie thinge iff
they will. But he thinketh it woulde not be know en that here
are studentes, lectures, and Disputations, yff we had spoken
nothinge off the scoole in oure discipline. For it was not
knowen that there was a colledge off studentes at Zurick
before. It is a world to se howe circumspecte theis men be in
wordes, when they are minded to speak any thinge against this
oure foolishe symplicitie. For what madnesse is it, to think
that those thinges whiche be euery daie open before mennes
eyes are the more knowen, by one sentence wrytten in a booke
whiche verie fewe shall looke in.

The obiection to the 22. 23. and 24.
Article.

Home. The shamefastnes off manie, is vnshamefaste ynough, and

to be often diligently examined. And we thinke it necessarie
that nothinge be donne in this behalff withowte consent off
the elders, who as they beste knowe the state off euerie man
so they can and ought to make an exhortation at the dis-
tributing apte and fit for euery mannes disposition.

The answere.
WliiiUad. The shamefastnes off some is almoste so farre attempted

CLV.

off some shameles men that their harte is clene caste downe.
For theis discreete disposers off other mennes almes, haue by-
passing to muche on monye vtterly caste awaye men, yea,
bothe together the monie and men. And yet in the meane
while, theis that withowte all shame, reason of shamfastnes
forsooth, whom rather then those that haue any sparke off
honeste shamefastnes left, woulde go vnto, they had rather
almoste die, yea, theis gentle and shamfaste disposers haue
with their odious behauiour driuen many men off notable
good wittes and towardnesse, some to the printinge howse,
some to be seruinge men, and to runne into England againe,
with the perill bothe off bodie and soule. But off this case of!
euell handlinge, we shall commence matter againste thies men
(yff god will) and the magistrate geue vs leaue, to thentent
that good men maye be the more ware hensfoorthe that they
committ not their liberall almes so easilie to anie one mannes
fidelitie hereafter.

The obiection against the 26. Article.

The lawe ordeined for those that trauell by the waie shall Home.
call vnto vs all suche as be the moste idle persons and the
veriest vnthriftes, and also Papistes whiche will faine them-
selues to be Religious that they may be holpen as we haue
lerned by experience.

The an s were.

The trauelour off oure nation hauinge neede by the waye to Whithead.
be holpen on his iourney (yff the treasure off the churche will
beare it) please not theis men. They saie, they haue lerned
by experience that idle persons and vnthriftes and also papistes
are called hither by this meanes. By what experience, we
beseche yow ? before this lawe was made or sithens ? yff they
were called hither before this lawe was made, they were not
called by occasion off this lawe. Let them ceasse therfore to

[i 2

CLVI.

impute vnto a lawe, that prouideth onely for those that be
godly and needie, those thinges that naugtie packes haue euer
hitherto donne and will do still hereafter.

The obiection to the 27. Article.

Home. It is not an almes, but a compulsion. Besides this, off

theis that are founde to be the setters foorth off theis lawes
their are not paste 17 or 18. Whiche haue competent ynoughe
to liue vpon and to sustaine themselues. And off them there
vvoulde not onely fiue geue heretofore, when collections were
made, and the summe off all their distributions came neuer
to 13. Dallers, they gaue so sparingly and so slenderly. And
parhappes their is some what herein to keepe back and
fray avvaie all such as be off the richer sorte from vs that
they came not hither, when they shall se so fewe riche dwell
amonge so manie poore, whiche neuertheles shalbe compelled
to sustaine and beare verie great charges at sundrie contribu-
tions.

The answere.

Whithead. It is not a compulsion, but an almes. For no man is con-
strained otherwise then his owne good will and habilitie is,
and that that is off good will, is no compulsion. And there
shall no man off the richer sorte (that is godlie) be fraide
awaie from vs by this meane, in as muche as suche as be
godlie seeke off there owne accorde, whom they maye doo
good vnto. And wher they obiecte vnto vs againe the small
nomber off oures, whiche haue competent ynough to lyue vpon
themselues, theis shulde be some men off mightie habilitie
that woulde haue the magistrate perswaded, that other are
but beggers in comparison off them, paraduenture Home,
whiche is the deuiser here off, is admitted vnder hande into
the felowshipp off the puree with Chambers and theroff it
commethe his so great swellinge, such loftynesse and con-

CLVII.

tempte off* others : And where he addethe that there were
but fyue that gaue at the collections before tyme, and the
surame off that they gaue, came scarse to 13. Dallers, it is a
matter worthie to be knowen : For abovvte an halff yere paste
and more when Home and Chambers had geuen vvarninge
openly for certeine thinges that they were offended at, we
wote not what, that they woulde geue ouer their Ecclesiasticall
ministeries, whiche is no noueltie for them to doo nowe, after
warde they went abowte to gather euerie mannes almes to the
intent they might seeme at their departure from their minis-
teries like good husbandes of other menes liberalise to haue
left somethinge vnto the churche. But seinge they gathered
to this ende, and it was perfectly knowen to all men that their
gatheringe was for this cause, certenly, we meruaile that there
was so muche as one that woulde gaue anie thinge, or that
the summe whiche they gaue, growed to so muche as i3. not
Dalers but nailers or pheninges. But Chambers and Home
were not so euell knowen at that tyme : nowe yff they lyst to
assaie, they shall proceiue, that there is not one, that will put
them in truste with so muche as a myte. And yet sins they
departed from the congregation, there hathe bin more geuen
(by the grace off god) vnto the poore, then Home and Cham-
bers haue geuen off their owne, all the daies off their liffe.

The obiection against the 29. Article.

This lawe hathe these discomodities : that firste, it dis- Hume.
closeth the thinge ouermuehe, that those whiche were wont to
be liberall vnto vs, are moste desirous to keepe close, secondly,
it is preiuditiall to priuate men whiche haue felte manie mennes
priuate beneficence. Thirdly it nippeth and thwitethe awaie
a great deale off that liberalitie, whiche might come to vs, in
that we so appointe a strange collectour, and vnknowe to the
geuers. Fourthelie it dothe wonderous suspiciously importe
the infamie off certeine that haue vsed theis labours. Fiftlie,
it shall strike a feare and a terror vnto the geuer when he

H 3

CLVIII.

muste se so manye handes subscribed to publick letters and
by tb.is reason they shall be eloigned from vs that would
gladly succor the poore.

Sixthly, it shalbe excedinge hurtefull to other congregations,
and a losse to all other banished men, wherso euer they are
dispersed. Finally, thes so openly ordeined lawes shall sig-
nifie vnto oure Queene that we norishe and sustaine oure
congregation by hir subiectes. And that shall off necessitie
cause, that they whiche were wont to geue vs some what
shalbe moste diligently sought owte to their vndooinge and
oure moste pestilente plage.

The answere.

Whiihead. Here is maniefolde fyndinge off faulte as in a matter off
moste waightie importance, and wherwith Maister Home and
Maister Chambers are wonderfully rubbed on the gall. But
passinge ouer the firste member as vaine, and mingled with
others, we will firste speake of the seconde. Yff this be to
the prejudice off priuate men, what haue yow Maister Home
and Maister Chambers done, whiche nowe a greate while
haue by your messengers and letters stopped all the priuate
almoses off all men, and drawen them into your owne handes ?
And that yow, Maister Home, threatned owte off the pulpit
that yow woulde do, and that yow woulde make poore miser-
able men to eate haye. Where they speake off an vnknowen
coliectour, we answere, that the lesse he shalbe commonly
knowen, the lesse daunger shall he cause to them, that he
shall haue to doo with all. For those collectors off yours,
are nowe by this your diligence in gathering (would to god ye
were as liberall in distributinge) and by theis your close and
moste discreet means, so knowen, that no man dare bydd them
god spede, muche lesse talke withe them.

Therfore it is wonderous fyne, that Maister Home hathe
forged here c5cerninge an vnknowne colectour. where he
saithe that a feare and a terror shall be stricken into suche

CLIX.

as shall see manie names subscribed, we vnderstande not howe
that ca be. It semeth he vvoulde saie, that oure messagers wil
shewe not oure names but the messagers names subscribed.
Furthermore, we demaunded off Chambers and Home, why
they haue done the same no we theis 3. yeres, and compelled
men to subscribe against their vvilles. In them this is a godly
matter, in vs an horrible abhomination.

Where he saith, that this will be exceedinge Hurtefull to A
other congregatios, certeinlie, it hathe bin almost an vndoo- ',
inge bothe to our congregation and others that M. Home
and M. Chambers haue in this behalff done yet hithertoo,
For one while they saie, they haue gathered alonely for this
congregation : When any bodie off an other churche (ye must
vnderstand) craue ought off them. An other while they boaste
that they haue a great deale for other congregations, that is
when they be offended with vs as they are nowe moste greu-
ously. For nowe (we beleue) they will saie plainly they haue
nothinge for oure poore, therfore though they speake it not,
yet, they shewe openly by their dedes that they haue all to
themselues, and keepe all to themselues. Where he saithe, the
Queene shall vnderstande by this meanes that oure congre-
gations are norished by hir subiectes : how so ? Doo we name
Englishe men ? or vniuersally all good men by whose libera-
litie the poore off oure congregation be norished ? But the
Queene will suspecte some thinge off hir subiectes. O fine
wittie men : She suspected nothinge forsoothe before we wrote
this discipline. That, that he hathe in the fourth place set as
it were, in the middle ranke in saftie, we sawe not: therfore, we
will speake off it laste. But this is the greuouse matter oil' all,
and that whiche alone tormenteth theis men in dede, for other
causes are pretended, but this is the verie thinge whence (as
the man saithe) comethe all this anguishe and anger too, for-
soothe it wilbe suspected (saieth he) iff some other collecte in
the name off the congregation, that we like not Chambers
collection, nor Homes and his distribution. Hereoff will all
theis waightie discommodities growe, that they two (ye muste

h 1

CLX.

vnderstande) maie not be in so great authoritie with all men,
nor be such buggarddes to the poore yff they maye not beare
the bagge alone. O greuous and intolerable euilles that will
growe off theis suspitions. In dede they make an ende off
all this place withe plaine tragicall termes : this geare (saith
he) shall cause vndooinge and a moste pestilent plage vnto the
congregation.

We wonder that he cried not owte also : o heauen, o earthe,
o neptunes seas, but where they feare them selues so muche
off suspitions, we beleue, they maie be owte off paraduenture
in a while. For all men will within a shorte time (as farre as
we see) geue ouer to suspect what manner off men Home and
Chabers be. Finally what faulte so euer they finde with vs in
all this adoo touchinge the messager to be sente, they them-
selues haue vtterly forced vs by extreamitie and violence to
attempte it. For seinge Chambers would geue nothinge
being present, but vnto certeine off his owne, and is nowe
runne awaie with the puree, we are vtterlie constrained to
take this waie, that oure poore perishe not for famine.

The obiection against the 30. Article.

Home. This is amisse, that the Deacons are bownden to visite the

poore onely, to knowe iff they neede : seinge it is chieflye re-
quired that they maye exhorte, that they maie comforte, that
they maie relieue such consciences as be sick and burthened
with s\nnes. A man maie aske them where it apeareth by
plaine wordes off the scriptures, that it is the Deacons office to
receiue and keepe the treasures off the churche, and that they
alone ought to excecute and accomplishe this office.

The Answere.

Whithca.L Let the Deacons visit ali sicke folke vniuersallie yff they
will and exhorte them and comforte them, we forbid the not.
Onely we she we that they are bownden by reason off their

CLXI.

office peculiary to haue charge off the poore. Where they saie Whithead.
it is chiefly required that deacons shuld exhorte and comforte
the sicke consciences off them that are diseased : Iff they saie
they be bownde to doo that by reason off their office, let them
proue it, that they doo not onely saie all thinges. But yft"
they respecte Christian pitie towardes their brethern, neither
doo we exempte from the Deacons, that whiche is the common
dewtie off all Christians. But for as muche as they haue bur-
thened the Deacons before, with vnnecessarie charges as con-
cerninge the office off Deacons, by reason wheroff they fraied
manie from that right godlie office off Deacons, we haue
thought good to declare what thinges they be whiche properly
appertaine to the Deaconshipp, and what be the common
devvties off all Christians. And leaste theis men might iustlie
complaine as touchinge the lake off exhortinge and com-
forting the sicke, that matter is sufficientlie prouided for by
the ministers off the worde vnto whom that charge dothe
chiefly appertaine and by other lerned men also. And to
that question that they harpe vpon againe, it is throughly an-
swered in the 4. Article In that they require plaine wordes
off scripture off vs we cannot meruaile ynoughe, seinge they
neither proue or shewe anie thinge, either by plaine wordes
or obscure wordes : but as thoughe we were scollers and they
scoolemasters off Pithagoras rule, they onely saie and affirme
all thinges and confirme nothinge. But they promesse they
will doo it at leasure and god before. And that is ynoughe
we trovve.

The obiection against the 38. Article.

The time is ill appointed, it were a great deale better after Hume.
the marte, for the auoidinge off rumor and blowinge off dissen-

tions whiche maie arise as it is novve in example.

»

The an s were.

The time is appointed well ynough. For theis dissentions Whithead.
are not to be imputed to times, but to men. And we truste

n 5

CLXIL

that we shall by the grace o.TGcd haue hensfoorthe goodmen
that shall quietlie geuerne the churche in the true feare off
god and loue to their brethern.

The obiection against the 44. Article.

Home. The 44. Article speaketh manifestly against the edicte off

the Senate. For there it is specified by theis clere and mani-
feste vvordes. Furthermore the Senate off this honorable citie
hath decreed, that iff their arise anie dissention or contentions
amonge the strangers, concerninge Religion or their Disci-
pline, they be sett at one with all diligence by the ministers
and Seniors specially for this cause, leaste those whiche pro-
fesse themselues to be banished me owte of their countrie for
true Religions sake, vtter an euell token what their minde is
by reason off such controuersies and debates. And in case
the matter cannot be apeased before the ministers and elders
let them knowe that the Senate off this citie will take order
therein, who as reason is, will looke moste sharply vppon the
Authors oflfsuche troubles.

The answere.

Whtiliead. It is not against the meaninge off the edicte, as it was de-
clared by the Magistrates themselues in oure churche before
all the congregation the laste off February, by the mouthe off
Maister Valeran polaine, and the saide Magistrates, (seinge
the sentence pronounced by the saide Maister Valeran and
written owte by vs, allowed it, according wherunto, this
decree is alltogether set foorth.

The obiection against the 46. Article.

Home, This lawe clothe not sufficiently forsee and prouide for

the quietnes off the congregation, vnles in this greater parte,
the pastor and seniors be included, whose authoritie men

CLXIII.

ought not to bringe into such cotempte that we woukle so easilie
reiecte them. The multitude is off their owne disposition,
ouermuche licentious and grudginge at euerie superior power
and this lawe is also ainiinste the edicte off the Senate.

The an s were.

Iff* the ministers and Elders wilbe present no man vvarneth Whithead.
them : yf they will not. who wil force them againste their
willes ? It is impertinent that he saith, they be easilie reiecte,
whiche will not come when they be desired, or when they be
present departe vppon their owne will. Where he saithe,
that this decree is also contrarie to the edicte off the Senate,
it is not ynough, excepte he prone it.

The obiection against the 49. Article.

The subscribinge is ouer hardly and constrainedly done Hovm
specially in so often alteration and innouation off lawes as they
speake off.

The ansv, ere.

The subscribinge is not ouerha[r]dly nor constrainedly done Whithead.
but so muche the lesse hardly and costrainedly, in that there
is an easie waye shewed to redresse Yf anye thinge be done
amisse : Where theis men would haue their decrees to be re-
puted for holie sacred canons whiche maie not be moued. And
as for this subscribinge, whiche they say is so costrained and
harde, besides that it is prouided for by the edicte off the Senate,
it is required also in their oulde discipline and institution.

The obiection against the 54. Article.

The authoritie off the pastor and Seniors is all wiped //
awaie. F< r euerie thinge is referred to the confused multitude
of the congregation.

11 6

CLXIIII.

The answere.

Whithcad. Excepte the matter be vsed as we haue prouided in the
Discipline, bothe the authoritie and libertie off the congrega-
tion is vvyped awaie, and a meere tyranny est[a]blished. Where
he saith all thinge is referred to the confused multitude, it is
manifestlie false. For it is alvvaies added by such as the con-
gregation shall appointe therto : as it is also in the 54. article
added, in plaine wordes.

The obiection against the 57. Article.
Home. This Lawe is also contrarie to edicte off the Senate.

The answere.
WkitJiead. This shulde not be saide but shewed.

The obiection against the 58. Articl

*c

Horn*. The assemblie off 4. 6. 8. or 10. is troublously done and

withowte order, and will styrre vpp newe tumultes daily in
the congregation. Such lavves as this condemne the authoritie
and counsaile off the Elders.

The answere.

Whithmd. Home and Chambers condemne the assemblie off 4. 6. 8.
or 10. men for peace makinge : Where they haue almost everie
daie theis 3. monethes gathered corner creepinge assemblies to
disturbe the peace of the church.

The obiection against the 59. Article.

Home. The 59. article is manifestly repugnant against the 56\

Article.

CLXV.

The answere.

The 59. is not repugnant against the 56". article for there is Whithead.
intreated off ciuill controuersies and here off others.

The obiection against the 63. Article.
This lawe also is against the edicte off the Senate. Home.

The answere.

It is not against the meaninge off the edicte, as it is declared Whithead.
in the answere to the 25. Article. For it was declared by the
right honorable and godly Magistrates openly in oure churche,
that they thought nothinge lesse then to impeche the lawfull
authoritie oft" the congregation. And except the congregation
whiche geueth authoritie to ministers be superior to the
ministers, they are not nowe ministers, but lordes off the con-
gregation, as to adde no further.

The obiection to the 68. article.

In this place we desier that oure olde discipline maie be Home.
looked vpon, that we maie se whither it be, to be so lightly
caste awaie, seinge it proceeded off so lerned men, and shall
with a meane amendinge be farr perfecter then this newe
Discipline.

The answere.

Where they desier that the olde Discipline maie be looked Whithead.
vppon, we answere, the more they shall looke vpon it, the
more euedently shall the naughtynes and imperfection off it
appeare, And it shall also more plainely appeare howe muche
the cogregation hathe bin beholdinge to them that haue re-
teined such an vnperfit discipline so loge in the churche, onely,

CLXVI.

bycause it permitteth all to the pastor. Where they saie that
the Discipline proceded off so lerned men, yet, the same that
wrote it, (were they neuer so well lerned) confesse themselues
both that it was gathered in haste, and geuen to the congrega-
tion as imperfit, onely for a tyme. Where they speak off the
amending off that Discipline, we marueille that it neuer came
into their minde before.

The obiection against the 72. Article.

Home. That concerninge testamentes in this daungerous vvorlde is

a pernitious Lawe.

The answere.

Whithead. We cannot tell what serpente the lawe concerninge Testa-
mentes hathe lurkinge vnder the herbe. They saye it is a
pernitious lawe, and they onely saye so, But we saie it is verie
wholsome, and profitable against the fraude off falsaries and
to the succours of the fatherles and vviddowes.

The obiection [to] the 73. Article.

Home. Quietnes is not sufficiently prouided for by this meanes,

in asmuche as it is commaunded (as it were) that euerie one
shuld looke and study for an innouation.

The answere.

Whithead. Quietnes, is prouided for sufficietly, in as muche as the
matter muste passe quietlye and peaceablie, and also by
writings mennes consciences, are also necessarely prouided for,
that in case any thinge be founde in the Ecclesiasticall ordi-
naunces vngodly or disagreinge, or ells vnprofi table for the
church it maie be chaunged straightwaies, so as mennes
pleasures be net holden for holy, sacred, and vnmouable as the
papistes would.

CLXVII,

The obiectoftrs conclusion.

In all this a tloo, we saie this for a conclusion, that there Home.
be thre thinges, whiche they onely seeke, the innouation off
ministers, a purse and treasure, I wote not what, and the
purginge oft" their owne offences before committed.

Nowe haue we alleadged as muche as we handsomely coulde
bringe, consideringe the tyme. We woulde also haue alleadged
verie many other thinges, so as it shulde plainly appeare, that
oure brethern haue in ordeininge their Discipline respected
neither so great waightie reasons, nor so great commodities
off oure congregation. But haue in the meane while geuen
that, that shall be offensiue and slanderous to all good men,
and to oure aduersaries and goddes enemies the papistes high
reioycinge and pleasure. The booke off the olde discipline
with a verie litle and small correction and amending would
cause man:e more plentifull fruites off Christian hartes to be
brought foorth, and would settle a great deale more constant
and more durable quietnes amonge vs.

The answere to the conclusion.

In all this adoo, Maister Home and Maister Chambers go Whitheud.
abowte nothinge ells but to disquiete the cogregation, that
Home might rule the roste ouer all: Chambers beare the
bagge alone, and they 2. together exercise a moste vnworthie
lordshipp ouer the poore, and by them all other, and that they
might haue no certeine discipline, but that their pleasures
might be holden for lawes, and that nothinge shulde be
thought right or stad in force but what they doo, yet hithertoo,
and the same they go abowte nowe : And it semethe they haue
vtterly determined either to establishe a tyrannie, or to leaue
no common wealth at all in the congregation. Where Home
and Chambers make rehersall here off the purginge off offences
comitted by vs, they ought iustly to haue byn ashamed to
make mention off offences seinge they haue neuer left for theis
3. or 1. Monethes to lade themselues with wicked doinires.

CLXVIII.

And as for occasion of offence and slander geuen to good and
godly men and to oure adnersaries and goddes enemies the
papistes high reioicinge and pleasure, they accuse vs theroff so
falsely, as they themselues haue geuen the occasion in dede.

For they coulde neuer abyde to haue anye thinge amended
nor themselues to be admonished off any thinge, or to be
comoned withall in anie wise. But for the moste light, yea,
no causes in dede, they forsooke their ministerie straight waies,
the pastor forsooke the flocke, the Trcasorer the poore and
bothe forsooke the chin che and moued others by their example
to do the same.

Neither was it ynough for them to geue ouer their owne

functions but they must drawe other preachers and readers

with them also, to the intent the congregation shulde by this

meanes be destitute off Goddes worde, and vtterly scattered

as thoughe it colde not possiblie stande withowte them. And

when they had forsaken their owne churche, they haunted,

partly the french churche and partly the devvtche churches,

and so raised rumors abroade and spied oure dissentions,

firste, through this citie and then thorough other cities off

Germany. And last off all, when they wolde not come to the

churche in the marte time, but by the Magistrates commaunde-

ment, neither coulde they then be quiet they spreed the like

rumours almoste throughowt all Europe.

Then J And when they haue plaied theis prancks themselues, they

maybe charge vs with their owne faultes and go abowte to laie the

nowspred infamie vppon vs whiche they themselues haue stirred vp.

withowt Iff yow shall crie owte that olde matters are rehersed by this

ifljlu'1 « meanes» yovv ought to haue abstained from prouokinge vs

welwakd. hereunto: neither to haue mentioned offences committed, olde

subscriptions, ne yet to haue called vs backe thus to the olde

discipline the fountaine off all contentions.

The names subscribed to the obiections
with a postscripte.
Robart Home Richard Chambers Anthonie Mahewe
Edwarde Isaac Christopher Brickbeck Richard Dauids

CLXIX.

Cutbert warcope Iohn Binhes Nicholas caruile.

Robart Harrington Iohn Escot. John Machet.

The reste offoure consentinge brethern we coulde not call Home.
together vnto this subscribinge, by reason off shortnes of
time, whose names shall be put afterward hauinge your H.
licences therto.

The answere to the postscripte.
Where they complaine off shortnes of time in the ende as Whithead.
they did in the beginninge, and that they could not by reasen
therof cal their cosentinge brethern together to the subscribinge :
What meaneth that ? For where they haue set to the names
off them whiche dwell most farr a sunder and haue left owte
almost none but the names off their owne seruants whom they
haue allwaies at a becke, yet they could not call the rest off
their brethern together forsoothe, to the intent they might by
this shift make a shewe to suche as knowe not the matter, off
some multitude off men off some estimation whiche are lefte
owte. And they desier also as in a matter off waight that they
maye set too the names off the others afterwardes. And as
here in the ende, they vaunte a certeine shewe of some great
multitude that will subscribe : Euen so, in the beginninge
and in many other places of their booke they make a great
bragge as though they would exhibite some notable matter
to the magistrate, so they maie haue time ynough geuen them
to bethink themselues. But maister Home and maister
Chambers shall with theis their mightie and great promisses
bothe off subscriptions declarations and confirmations bringe
to passe as good as nothinge. But yet this they are desirous
to bringe to passe in the meane time, that whiles theis gaye
glorious promises off thers be loked for, they may a longe
time hinder the peace and quietnes off the church whiche
their onely desier is to haue disquieted. And iff it be pos-
sible that thei maie recouer a moste intolerable lordeshipp
ouer the congregatio : or in case they cannot obtaine the chief
state in the cogregatio, that they may leaue the churche in

CLXX.

the worste, or in no state at all, but that they maye rende it
and all to scatter it. Theis be the deuises off Home and Cham-
bers. Theis be therfetches, right honorable and most righteous
Magistrates. And yet we haue no distruste but almightie god
for his mercies sake towardes oure most afflicted churche, and
that your authoritie for your equities sake and singuler bene-
uolence towardes vs, will withstande the same.

And for as muche as we haue proued that one off theis
thinges whiche they haue reprehended in oure discipline, be
other against gods worde, or againste good reason : and for as
muche also as we are ready to proue, that all thinges con-
teined in oure Discipline, are taken owte either oft" Goodes
worde or off the edicte off the Senate and Magistrate, either
owte off their owne olde discipline which they stick so fast vnto,
either ells off the iudgement off good reason, we humbhe
beseche the right honorable and righteous magistrates that
they will vouchsaffe to confirme it with their authoritie.

Where as bothe partes gaue consent that certeine others,
very worshippfull, shuld also deale in this controuersie be-
tweene them, to appease (yff it might be) the same I haue
here folowinge placed the order whiche they tooke for their
quietnes.

To the ministerie and bodie off the congregation

off the English e Churche off

Franckford.

For as muche as at the request oft* all oure brethern and
countrie men off this churche off Franckford, we haue vnder-
take to endeauour oure selues to make an ende of this sorow-
full controuersie whiche so grieuously, so longe tyme hath
vexed this congregation, slaundered Religion, and infamed the
name off all Englishemen we thought we coulde neither satisfie
the duetie off Christian charitie, nor the office off louinge
countrie men, iff we did omitt any thinge, whiche, bv anie

CLXXI.

probable coniecture might seeme to bringe to effecte oure
honest enterprise in this behalfe, whempon we haue thought
good to offer vnto yow oure brethern on botlie parties such a
forme off agremente touchinge certeine pointes off your disci-
pline as had semed vnto vs vppon conference betvvene certeine
chosen persons, on bothe sides before vs most conuenient, so
to satisfie all men, that euery man might willingly and cheer-
fully submitt him selff vnto the obedience theroff. Desiring
yow all as ye hope to haue fauour at goddes handes in the
bloude off Iesus Christe, so to applie your fauorable mindes
eche to other that all striff and contention set aparte, yow maie
ioine together in a blessed Christian and happie societie, peace
and concorde, and the thinge wherevnto we wishe bothe the
parties shuld agree is as folowithe.

The forme off reconciliation.

Firste, where as in this whole treatie off reconciliation and
alteration of discipline, some thinges might happe to seeme
to tede to the condenation of some partie or parson : we do all
frelie pronounce and testifie eche parte off other, that neither
off vs do condemne either partie, or anie person as those
whiche haue don anie thinge contrary to gods word, or pro-
b[a]bilitie off reason in this matter off discipline, but frindly
and louingly euerie man dothe imbrace all men omittinge all re-
hersall and disputation off thinges paste with common and
hartie praier vnto god, that from hens forthe we maie remaine,
and Hue together in brotherly loue to the glorie off god and
comforte off vs all.

Concerninge the article for exercise off lerninge, that there
be no mention made off the same in the booke off discipline
but that for so muche as lerned men remaine in the congrega-
tion, that the ministerie shall for the furtheraunce off lerninge,
labor to put in vse such exercise off lerninge as the lerned can
performe and the abilitie off the churche beare.

Concerninge the receiuinge and distributinge off the treasure

CLXXII.

off the churche The receauinge and distributinge theroff
dothe apperteine to the Deacons, yet not so that they doo it
without the knowledge and consent off the Ministers and
Seniors, concerninge the kepinge off the saide treasure, it
maie verie well apperteine to the Deacons, yet is it not off
such necessitie but that the reste off the ministerie maie other-
wise set order for the custodie theroff, as tyme and occasion
shall serue.

Concerninge the Article off contribution, when the treasure
off the churche faileth, it perteineth to the ministers and Dea-
cons to trauell by the waie off exhortation with the riche to
helpe in that nede withowte anie further compulsion.

Concerninge the Article off sendinge off common letters
for the relieff off the congregation : That there be no mention
made off anye parte theroff in the booke off discipline but that
the ministerie with all possible secrecie vse such pollicies and
means as maie beste serue to the relieff and mainteinance off
the congregation.

Concerninge the Article off makinge off lawes, that they be
made by the ministerie and bodie off the congregation beinge
called together for that purpose. And iff the ministerie, or
anie off them refuse to be present beinge by the bodie off the
congregation required therunto, whithowte iuste cause by them
or him alleaged, that then, after a dewe time geuen for the
hearinge off the cause, yff they bringe not in good reason and
iuste cause off suche refusall : Then to be depriued by the
same from their or his ministerie and newe to be chosen.

Concerninge the article off the election off Ministers That
a scrutenie, be had euerie yere at the tyme off election for
the examination off the Ministers off the worde, wherin shalbe
by the appointmente off the congregation six or eight graue
and wise men whiche shall heare what faults be alleado-ed

o

against the same Minister, And yff the faults be waightie and
worthie off open correction, to signifie the same to the con-
gregation that the offenders or offender maie be corrected or
tlepriued accordingly. Yff the offences be lesser then that

CLXXIII.

they ought to be published, then the saide ministers or minister
offendinge, to be monished off his faulte accordinge to the
discretion off the Scrutiners.

Concerninge the Article offTestamentes. That no man by
order in this congregation shall be forced to Register Ins
Testamente, but that their be eight or 10. graue wise, sub-
stantial! and honeste men chosen by the congregation owte off
whiche nomber the Testator shall haue his choise, or yff he
omit the thinge, his executours shall haue the choise to take
2. off the saied 8. or 1 0. besides suche as are made wittnesses,
whom the executers withein a monethe after the death off the
Testator shall make priuie to the Testamente, and that the
same two, beinge required therunto, shall faithfully declare
vnto euery partie comprehended in the will, so muche off the
will as shall particulerly appertaine to euery off them, and
shall keepe secrete all the reste off the will or Testament as
they shall proteste before God and the congregation vppon
there consciences, at the time off their election.

And nowe in case it shall seeme good vnto all your wise-
domes as well off the Ministerie and bodie off the cono-re^a-

© o

tion off the one part as off the dissentinge brethern off the
other part That we shall by onre mediation proceede anye
further accordinge vnto this forme off reconciliation, whiche
is here described : We doo hartely require yow, that signi-
finge your mindes vnto vs with as conueniente spede as ye
maie, ye will also appoint owte on either parte, 2. Discreet
and sober persons, louers off peace and concorde, whiche by
conference with other two off vs, whom we shall appointe,
may drawe theis Articles afore written into such a forme as
they maie be conueniently anexed to the reste off your Dis-
cipline. The 29. September 1557.

Your lovinge brethern and

countrie.

CLXXIIII.

Thomas Wrothe. Henry Knotty s. Edwin Sandes.

Frances Knotty s John Browne Thomas Eaton.

Roger Parker. Fran, wilforde Rieard Springham.

Iohn Abell. John Turner.

The answere off the churche to this offre, or the
effect off the same.

We cannot allovve this waie off reconciliation offred to oure
churche hy oure countrie men for as muche as we shulde con-
demne oure selues as euell doers, and oure doinges vngodly
and vnreasonable, but we are assured we liaue not done in
oure discipline anie thinge contrary to goddes worde and good
reason. The last off Septemb.

Dauid Whithead. Henry Parry. William Rawlinges

Iohn Hales. Richard Beesley Robart Reste

Thomas Sorby Robart Crowley Richart Luddington.

John Redder Thomas wattes Edmond Haries.

Thomas Ashley Richard Rogers.

The copie off the letters off request sentfoorth for

relieff off the poore by Maister Sutton

25. Iuly 1557.

To all them that beare an vnfayned Reuerence and
zeele vnto the eternall Testament off Iesus Christe, ioyned
withe the charitable and syncere bowells off mercie to-
wardes the poore. Grace, Mercie and Peace from God
the Father by the same oure Lorde Iesus Christe his sonne
the common and onely Sauiour off the worlde.

It is not like that the brute of the cotrouersie, which hathe
nowe at the ende off six monethes continued in this En<z;lishe

CLXXV.

churche at Franckford, is vnknowe to strangers : it is more
like that so manie beinge priuie therto, it is caried and spread
to farre abroad : and moste like by the fruites springinge
theroff, that it hath byn vntruly reported by the willful!
authors and stubburne mainteiners off it, not onely to the
infamie, reproche, and discredit off the bodie off this churche
and to the intent to stopp all relieff from the poore members
off the same, but also, that their vncharitable and leude beha-
uiours shulde not come to light. For it is well knowen that
diuerse charitable men (albeit their persons and names be
neither knowen nor desired to be knowen) were, before the
beginninge off this controuersie verie liberall in sendinge
their charitie to the vse off this whole congregation vniuer-
sally, and some were beneficiall to sundrie members off the
same particulerlie, whiche sithe that time to oure knowledge
they haue left vndone vtterlie. We the Ministers off' the
churche, hopinge that theis men the authors and mainteners
off this controuersie would in time haue knowen their faults
and made satisfaction to the churche as it becomethe christen
men to doo, did not onelie with pacience suffer their slaunde-
rous talke and vnquiet demenour, but also beare with their
vniuste dealinge, and as much as in vs laye studied to couer
their faultie doinges. Neuertheles, seinge no likelyhood off
their amendment, but moste manifeste proffes off their malice,
this poore congregation, rather dailie encreasinge then in anie
parte abatinge, and thereby the pouertie theroff continually
augmentinge, we thought it oure bownden dewtie in con-
science, no longer to hide the matter, but thus off necessitie
constrained, to disclose it, so as seinge they will not be as
they ought to be, they maie at leaste be knowen as they be.
And thus we doo not for anie malice that we beare to anye
mannes person (as god the sercher off all hartes knoweth) but
that the truth beinge knowen, such good people as through
vntrue reporte, haue byn perswaded to withdrawe their good
mindes and fauor from this poore congregation might vnder-
stande that withowte iuste cause they haue so longe done it,

CLXXVI.

and hereafter be the more willinge to renewe their charitie
in the relieuinge off this poore church off Christe. And to
come to the matter, ye shall vnderstand that after maister
Home late pastor, and the Seniors that were ioyned in the
ministerie with him had by a writinge subscribed with their
owne handes, openly before the congregation surrendred and
geuen otier their offices, reteininge neuertheles the writinge
off their surrender in their owne handes, and yet beinge de-
sired by the congregation nor to leaue their ministeries, but
still to exercise the same : they in no wise woulde doo it,
wherby the churche was diuers daies destitute off the preach-
inge off goddes worde. Wheruppon, the more part off the
congregation, mindinge to haue the churche kept in good order
and to redresse those thinges that were a great occasion off
the former contention, so that after there might be a perpetuall
quietnes and Concorde amonge vs, went earnestly abowte the
same. But it hapened contrarie to oure expectation, the
former grudges continuinge, and newe busines daily increas-
inge, which at lenght came to the Magistrates eare, contrary
to oure mindes and determination. For when we thought that
it shulde withowte anie further brute, amongest oure selues
haue bin pacified and ended as we would to god it had bin.
Wheruppon the godly magistrates lamentinge muche oure
dissention, ad desiringe our quietnes came into oure churche
and there, firste made vs to promesse one to an other, that
from thens foorth no mention shulde be made off anie former
grudge or contention betweene vs but that all thinges paste
shuld be clene forgotten. Afterwarde, for the better con-
tinuance off loue amonge vs and good order in the churche,
with the consent off Maister Home the pastor and the Seniors
discharged him and them off their offices and willed the
churche to chuse newe ministers and to make a newe discipline
(for by reason off the vnperfectnes off the okle Discipline a
great parte off the former controuersie was) as iff there had
bin neuer anie churche here before. Wheruppon the church
diuers times assemblinge, at lenght, the moste parte of the

CLXXVII.

churche thought moste reasonable that amonge other an order
shulde be in this churche like as it was in the primatiue
churche and is nowe in all well reformed churches, that the
treasure shulde be in the custodie off all the Deacons and not
off anie one man alone. Maister Home with certeine off the
Seniors and a fewe others woulde in no wise agree vnto it, but
to their vttermoste resiste it, which gaue vs occasion off farther
iuste suspition, that the treasure off the churche in time paste
had not bin Christianly vsed.

And where as also we had deuised an other order, that for
so muche as the magistrate dothe permit vs to vse the cus-
tomes and manners off makinge off willes that be vsed in
Englande, that for the more suretie off oure frindes that were
here or ells where, yff we were disposed by oure willes to
geue vnto them anie off that litle substance that god hath lefte
vs, (yff we shulde die here) owre willes shulde be seene and
exemplyfied by the Seniors, ad so to be owte of all daunger
off countrefaitinge at anie time : Home, and chambers onelie
vppon fonde will withowte any iuste consideration, or good
reason cauilled against the same order, onely affirminge it to
be pernitious. Theis thinges we finde manifestly at lenght,
not to proceede off anie good minde or purpose but off con-
tentious frowardnes grownded vppon selff loue and gaine
that vnder a colour of the churche they might gather good
mennes deuotions, and neuer distribute anie penny theroff or
at the leaste, to none (had they neuer so great nede) vnles they
woulde, either faune, and hange on them, or ells sustaine vn-
charitable tauntes and reproches at their handes.

For where Chambers aboue 13. monethes paste had off
maister Whithead then Pastor and the Seniors then a letter to
receaue of one special ma 20. powndcs and besides, through
Horns procurement, a generall proxie to Chambers, and his
deputie, to gather the deuotion off good men for the relieff off
this poore congregation, whiche by their owne proceedings
here before the Magistrates (their owne hands wrytinge
testifinge the same) and otherwise by oure knowledge we are

i

CLXXVIII.

certeine, they did put in practise, and receiued muche therby,
yet Chambers vpon the accoumpt here left behinde him,
neither confesseth that he receyued the saide 20. powndes nor
yet anie other smnme, neither hathe he distributed (duringe
all the tyme he was in office yet to this daie) in this congrega-
tion, to anie one person (sauing to 3. scollers that came with
him) one penny, that he did not receiue here in this congrega-
tion and citie.

And yet, at his departure hence, he lefte 2. off the saide
scollers (vnto whom neuertheles he promised sufficient pro-
uision and findinge, and neuer warned them to the contrary)
in dette for their boorde and for other necessaries almost 20.
guilderns whiche this poore congregation was forced to paie.
Finallie, where good Mistres Wilkinson off blessed memorie,
put Home and Chambers in truste with the deuisinge and
makinge of hir will, whereby she gaue to this and other poore
congregations of the poore banished Englishe men a Christian
liberall relief: Albeit they haue caused some off the saied
congregations to be paide of the same bequeste, yet hithertoo
wolde they not make this poore congregation priuie to the
summe bequethed vnto it, muche lesse paie it, nor yet
(accordinge to the order of oure churches discipline aforesaide)
let the will be seene, so as the frindles younge ientle woman
hir daughter shuld not be defrauded off hir right nor hir
mothers will altered to hir losse. Furthermore, Maister
Chambers vnderstandinge that we were minded (accordinge
to oure dewties) to requyre an accoumpte of him, for the vse
off his proxie, getteth him suddainly hence (accompanied with
Maister Home) earely in a morninge, withowte the consent or
leaue takinge off the congregation or the Ministerie theroff,
and contrarie to his one openly made promesse, that he would
not departe, till he had answered all that any man coulde
charge him with.

And at his goinge awaie, he left behinde him an accoumpt,
which by cuttinge owte the leaues, and newe written, semethe
not to be nowe at the last as it was at the firste, albeit it was

CLXXIX.

neuer so perfect as Christian fidelitie woulde haue required it
to be. And moreouer, albeit we haue twise writte vnto him
charitably exhortinge ad requiringe him to come hither, and
discharge himselff of those thinges that shall be saide vnto
him in the behalff off this congregation, and to the in thent
he shuld restore vnto it the proxie he receiued, and no longer
by himselff or his deputie exercise it in the name off this
poore churche, as we are informed he dothe : lie neither
commeth nor yet maketh answere to oure letters, wherby we
cannot but think that he meaneth not onely crafte and sub-
tiltie (much vnworthie the integritie and fidelitie that he pre-
tendeth) but also, to hinder, and as muche as in him lieth, to
vndoo this poore congregation, not onely off that he hath
already receiued and caried awaie, (as he hath heretofore dealt
with the companie off poore students at Zurick) but also,
through vntrew reportes off all good mennes deuotions and
liberalitie that hereafter woulde ells be bestowed. Their re-
portes (whiche amonge many other vntruthes to hinder this
poore congregation they slanderously brute abroad) are chiefly
theis : firste, that the poore off this churche be so well pro-
uided for, that the worste hathe after the rate of 2. shillinges
by the weeke. Secodly, that some of the poore here, be so
stowte that they disdaine to aske rclieff in their nede, so that
oure poore seeme either not to nede or not to be worthie off helpe.
And thirdly, that men here seeke to knowe the names off the
geuers to this congregation to their great perill and vtter vn-
dooinge, whiche reportes be all vtterly vntrue, but the trutlie
is that for lack, many poore men haue byn driuen bothe to
depart hence, to seeke their liuinge in other places and some
forced to go for relieff into England. Theis specialities (be-
sides muche more that we haue thought good and very neces-
sarie, that good godly men shulde knowe, bothe that they shuld
not conceaue anie euell opinion off this congregation by false
reporte, and also, that mindinge to relieff the poore and
miserably afflicted members off Christe their brethern in this
churche, they shulde when god shall moue them to departe with

CLXXX.

anie thinge to that vse, so deliuer it, as it maie sauffly come,
and iustly be distributed, where they would haue it bestowed.
And therfore we (considering the state off oure fellowe exiles
liuinge here with vs in nede and pouertie, and fedde by the
onely good prouidence off god) desier all Christian men for
the loue off oure sauiour Iesus Christe to consider, howe
pleasant a sacrifice howe sweete a sauor the relieuinge off the
poore for his sake is before the face off oure heauenly father.
A good mannes liffe, is almoste nothinge ells then a continuall
exercise off mercie. All the daie longe he hathe mercy and
pitie, saith the prophet Dauid.

Geue almes off thy goodes (saith the holie man Tobiah)
and turne neuer thy face from the poore : and so shall it
come to passe, that the face off the lorde shall not be turned
awaie from the. Be mercifull after they power yff thow haste
muche, geue plenteouslie : yf thou haste litle, do thy diligence
gladlye to geue of that litle, for so gatherest thow thy selff
a good rewarde in the daie off necessitie, for almes deliuereth
from deathe and suffreth not the soule to come in darknes.
A great comforte is almes before the high God, vnto all them
that doo it.

Blessed is he that consid[er]eth the poore (saith the Prophet
Dauid) the lorde shall deliuer him in the tyme off trouble, &c.
The good man (saith Dauid) hath distributed abroad and
geuen to the poore, his righteousnes remaineth for euer : his
home shalbe exalted with honor, he that geueth to the poore
shall not lack, saith the Wyse man in the prouerbes. As
water quencheth burninge fire, so dothe mercie reconcile
synnes : whiche god shall rewarde and not forget, and the
doer shall fynde a staie to keepe him vpp when he falleth,
saithe Iesus the sonne off Sirach. Break vnto the Hungrie thy
bread saith the Prophet Esaie and bringe the poore fatherles
into they howse, when thow seeste the naked, couer him, and
hide not they face from thine owne fleshe. Then shall thy
light break foorthe, as the morninge, and thy helthe flourishe
right shortly, thy righteousnes shall go before thee, and the

CLXXXI.

glorie of the lorde shal embrace thee. The yf thovv callest,
the lorde shall answere the : yf thou criest, he shall saye, here
I am. Laie ye not vp treasures in earthe, where the rust and
the moth maie destroy it, and theues maie digge it owte and
steale it, saithe Christe, but laie vpp your treasures in heauen.

Geue almes off that ye haue and behold, (saithe Christe)
all is cleane vnto yow. What ye geue to one off theis litle
ones (saithe he) ye geue it vnto me. And also he saith :
blessed are the mercifull for they shall finde mercie. when the
ydolatrus Kinge Nabucadnezer shuld be conuerted vnto god
what saied the Prophet Daniell vnto him ? redeeme they synnes
with almes, and thy wikednesse with mercie on the poore, so
perhappes god will pardon they sinnes. Think ye that god
forgate abdias that preserued the hundreth Prophetes in caues
and fedd them there ? Paule and the other apostells diligently
bothe with wordes and writinge did labor for the relieff of the
poore brethern that were at Ierusalem and ells where.

And we hope that god will open your hartes and mindes to
consider oure state and by theis saynges and examples moue
yow to haue pitie on your poore brethern, whiche yff it shall
please his mercie to graunte yow cheerfully to doo, it is not
to be dowted, but albeit he suffer yow to slyde and fall for a
time, yet will he heaue yow vp (when it shalbe his good plea-
sure) and preserue yow, so as at the lenght ye maie be par-
takers off the ioyfull kingdome off god whiche our sauior Iesus
Christ hathe purchased for his electe with the price off his
blood The holy spirite off god be allwayes with yow amen.

This controuersie which yow haue now harde from the
13. of Ianuary hitherto. I finde written by the handes off
such as are bothe lerned and off credit, but yet, I muste nedes
say, by those that were parties in this broyle. And for so
much as Maister Chambers in this controuersie is very sore
charged amonge the reste : who yet, was thought off manie
wise and godly men, to be verye godly, vpright, and honest,
ad so no dowte he tooke his leaue of this lyffe : I haue ther-
fore here thought good to place a letter whiche is yet off his

i 3

CLXXXII.

owne liande to be seene, wrytinge the same in his owne defence
touchinge theis matters so as the reader wayinge bothe the one
and the other, maie vse his iudgemente with discretion.

The copie off the letter.

To the worship. Maister Iohn Hales, M. Thomas Crawley.
Maister Iohn Willford, and to Maister Whitthead, Thomas
Sorsby, William Maister and Iohn olde at Franckford.

Immanuell.

I wishe vnto yow the peace off god with my commenda-
tions. The tenor of your demaunde hathe caused me to dif-
ferr answeringe to your letters vntill this time not off pur-
pos, to geue no answere, but that I then vppon the suddain
wanted sure knowledge in that thinge wherby yow chiefly
charge me. At my comminge from Zurick to Frankford I
was intreated by certaine men to continewe my traueiles, in
gatheringe the Almes and liberalities off godly me, to relieue
therwith such poore dispersed Englishe brethern, As I shuld
think moste meete to be relieued euen as before time I had
done. This requeste put in writinge, subscribed by certeine,
was deliuered vnto me, not as letters testimoniall off autho-
rise, whiche as I neded not, or I required them not, neither
yet that I shuld by force off them gather for the church off
Franckford onely, or specially, whiche I purposed not, but
that I might be the rather moued to doo as before I had donne.
And they then required (whiche was after promesse made to
further my doinges with all faithfull secrecie, in suche sorte
as I shulde from time to time deuise an requier) to bestowe

CLXXXIII.

suche summes off monie as shulde hereafter come to my
handes to suche vses and purposes as I thought good. Ther-
fore, as by force off those letters I gathered not : So the ga-
theringe for Franckford churche hathe not byn nor is in
my handes, nor off any other at my appointmente as ye do
write.

Wherfore as I might, so I did, and that by the aduise off
manie honeste, graue, and godly men, departe from thense
withowte making that accoumpte, to whiche I am not bownde,
nor leauinge for the relieff off the poore, off whom such haue
had their portion in this blessinge for the time as I thought
meete to be relieued. Vnto the Students whom I neuer
placed there, I haue performed what so euer I promised.
The accoumpt off receiptes, paiments and remaines which
ye require, I intende not to make vnto yow. But I shall be
ready at all times and in all places to make a iuste accoumpte
off my whole dealinges in this behalff vnto them whiche haue
authoritie to demaunde it off me. In the meane tyme, as I
shall by gods helpe truly do my indeauour, to relieue the
poore as I shal haue wherwithe and finde them meete to re-
ceiue it : So shall I keepe the names and summes secret as I
am bownde, till by them whiche haue iuste authoritie to louse
me I be otherwise appointed.

Thus I committ yow to the grace off allmightie god from

Strasbrough this 20. off Iune, Anno. 1557.

Richarde Chambers.

After I had written this answere to your firste letters re-
teining them in my hands vntill I might haue a conuenient
Carior : I receaued your Seconde letters the principall matters
therin are answered before. To the rest that be any thinge
materiall, thus I saie. As touching the delaye off mine answere
yow call contempte more vncharitablie then truly as vnto
godly wise men is well knowen. As my departure was not,
so my returne to Franckfurt maie not be at your appointe-

i 4

CLXXXIIII.

ment. Your generall accusations off misbehauiors and con-
teraptes in the whiche yow saie I am faultie, I admitt not.
Iff yow can iustly charge me with particulers, I shall make
answere to the contentation off all godly mindes.

Where the discipline off Christe is vsed in iuste causes, it
is to be regarded but your vnorderly abusinge off it, and
againste me that am not off your churche, I esteeme not.
Yff yow vse ciuill proffes againste me, I shalbe as ready to
answere the cause as yow to entre the sute. As for your dis-
playinge off me to our dispersed brethern to my vndeserued
dispraise in this matter cannot be such but that I shall easilie
purge my self. As god knowethe who with his holy spirite mo-
lifie your hartes and geue yow the vnfained true sight off
your selues amen. From Strasbrough the 30. off Iune 1557.

Richard Chambers.
Deliuered the 20. off Iuly to M. Iohn Bales by Iohn Escot.
Nowe, Whiles theis sharpe and greuous contentions grewe
more and more at Franckf. (as ye haue harde) manye thinges
happened in other places whiche maie in this place be shortly
touched, to the glory off god (I hope) and also, to the great
comforte off the godlie, who maie by the same, beholde moste
euidently the maruelous prouidence off God towarde his poore
afflicted and dispersed churche.

After that M. Bartue and the dutches of Sulff. were safely

arriued at Wezell in Westphalia, the brute theroff was the

cause that moo Englishe people in shorte time resorted thither.

M. couer- It pleased god also, that M. Couerdale (after that he had bin

foufdldte vv'tne tne kinge of Denmark) shuld come to the same Towne,

vfbipont. who preached there no longe time, till he was sent for by

woulgange duke off bypont, to take the pastorall charge off

Bargzaber, one off his Townes off Germany at whose com-

minge to the duke, he made it knowe, bothe to himselff and to

other noble me abowte him off M. B. and the dutches beinge

in the lowe countries. They vnderstadinge, the daunger that

might come vnto them in those partes, as also calling to re-

mebrance, what great curteisie strangers had founde in Eng-

CLXXXV.

lande at the dutches handes : made offre that iff they were
forced to remoue or otherwise if it pleased them, they shuld The cur-
haue the Castle of Winehaim by Hedleberge within the liberties J/^J^,
of Otto Henricus the Palsgraue and a godly Prince, who most mf» off
gladly (as well appeared) gaue cosent to the same. M. Bartue to M.^
and the Dutches acceptinge this offre, lefte Wezell and came Bari^ <|;
vp to the saide Castle, ad there cotinued, til leauinge Germany Sniff.
they traueled towardes the lande off Pole. The congregation
that was at Wezell wTantinge amonge them, partly the cora-
forte whiche many off them had, by M. B. and my L. beinge
there, and partly also other reasonable cosiderations mouinge
them : they left Wezel and folowed after : But passinge by
Franckf. and perceauinge the contention to be amoge them so
boilinge hott, that it ran ouer on bothe sides, and yet no fier
quenched : many had small pleasure to tarie there, but went
to Basil and other places, whiles M. Leaner made sute to the
lordes of Berna for a churche with in their dominions, whose
letters he obtained with great fauour to all their subiects for
the frindly entertainement off the Englishe nation. Theis
letters obtained, M. Leauer, M. Boyes, M. Wilforde, M.
Pownall and T. Vpchaier, came to Geneua to haue the aduice
off that churche what was best to be done touching the erec-
tion off a new churche. They of Geneua, gaue god thanks
for that it had pleased him so to incline the hartes off the
lordes off Berna towardes them and gaue incouragemet that
they shuld not let slyppe so good an occasion. M. I. Bod-
liegh (who was no small staie as well to that churche as to
others) and W. Kethe traueiled with them. And passinge
thorough manie partes of the L. of B. dominion in Sauoy and
Switzerland, they founde suche fauour in all places where
they came, as verelie maie be to the great condemnation off'
all such Englishe men as vse the godly stranger (I meane
those who come for religion) so vncourteously.

M. Leaner and the company at lenght chose Arrow for Englishe
their restinge place, where the congregation liued together in JJJjJjJJJ
godlie quietnesse amoge themselues with great fauour of the
people amonge whom for a time they were planted.

i 5

CLXXXVI.

Homeand Not longe after this, Maister Home and maister Chambers

Chambers . . ~ . . ...

come to came by Arrowe to (jeneua, semmge at that tyme to like
ffeneua. verie we]l off those congregations, (as the churche of Frank,
also then did as apearethe by their letters afore) in so muche
as the said Maister Home and Chambers, did distribute larglie
to the necessitie of those churches. So that it appeared that
the olde grudge whiche had bin betweene the churche off
Franck. and Geneua had bin cleane forgotten.

It came to passe not many daies after, that the lorde began

to shewe mercy vnto Englande in remouinge Queene Mary

be deathe, and placinge the queens maiestie that nowe is

(whom god longe preserue) in the seate, the newes wherof, as

it was ioyfull to all suche as were in exile, So it appeared that

the churche off Geneua was not behinde the reste, who, (after

that they had geuen to god hartie thankes for his great

goodnes) consulted amonge themselues and concluded, that

(for so muche as there had byn iarres betwene them and

other churches, abowt the Booke off common praier and

ceremonies) it was now expedient and necessary not onely

that vnfained reconciliation shulde be betwene them but also

that they might so ioine together in matters off religion and

Ceremonies, that no Papist or other enemie shuld take holde

or aduantage by a farther dissention in there owne countrie,

whiche might arise in time to come, yff it were not in time

Kethe sent foreseen and preuented. To this ende was William kethe,

%mcmy and one °^ tne congregation chosen to do this message, to them

Hehetia. off Arrowe, Basill, Strasbrough, Wormes, Franckford &c.

And to them off Arrowe and Francford this letter was wrytten

which folowith and subscribed by the ministerie in the name

off the whole congregation.

The Copie off the letter written the 15. off
December.

The Father of mercies and god of all cosolation connrme
and increase yow in the loue off his sonne Iesus Christ, that
beinge in the conduite off the lion off the tribe off Iuda, ye

CLXXXVII.

maie be victorious, against Sathan and Antechriste to the
ouerthrowinge off Papistrie and errour, and establishinge of
Christes glorious kingdome.

After that we hearde (dearely beloued) of the ioiful tidings
off Gods fauoure and grace restored vnto vs by the prefer-
ment off the moste verteous and gratious Queene Elizabethe :
We lyfted vp our hartes and voices to oure heauenly father,
who hathe not onely by his dewe prouidence norished vs in
oure banishement, preserued vs, and as it were, caried vs in
his winges, but also harde oure praiers graunted our requestes,
pitied oure countrie and restored his worde. So that the
sreatnes off this maruelous benefit ouercomethe oure Iudge-
ments and thoughts howe to be able worthely to receaue it
and to geue thankes for the same. And when we had withe
great comforte wayed the matter, to the intet that we might
at the leaste shewe our selues mindefull off this most wonder-
full and vndeserued grace, we thought amonge other thinges
howe we might beste serue to godes glory in this worke
and Vocation off fartheringe the gospell off our sauiour
Iesus Christe. And bicause, all impedimentes and cauil-
lacions off aduersaries might be remoued, it seemed good to
haue your godly counsell and brotherly conference herein,
whiche we desier to lerne by this bearer our louinge brother
kethe, that we might all ioyne hartes and handes together in
this great worke, wherin no dowte we shall finde many ad-
uersaries and staies. Yet, iff we (whose suffraunce and per-
secutions are certeine signes off oure sounde doctrine) holde
faste together it is most certeine, that the enemies shall haue
lesse power, offences shall sooner be taken awaie, and religion
best proceade and florishe.

For what can the papiste wishe more then that we shulde
dissent one from an other, and in steed off preachinge Iesus
Christe and profitable doctrine, to contende one againste an
other, either for superfluous Ceremonies or other like trifles
fro the whiche god off his mercy hathe deliuered vs. Ther-

1 fi

CLXXXVIII.

fore, deare brethern, we beseche yow (as we dowte not but
your godly iudgements will think it so beste) that what so euer
offence hathe byn heretofore either taken or geuen : it maie so
cease and be forgotten that hereafter god laie it not to oure
charges yff thereby his blessed worde shulde be any thinge
hindred. And as we for oure partes freely remitt all offences
and most intirely imbrace yow oure deare brethern, So we
beseche yow in the lorde that vnfainedly yow will do the like
on your behalff wheroff albeit, we assure oure selues, as bothe
by good experience we haue proued, and also haue receaued
by your letters : yet, to cut off all occasions from Papistes and
other cauillors, we thought it beste to renewe the same amitie,
and to confirme it by theis oure letters. Moste earnestly
desiringe yow that we maie altogether teache and practise
that true knowledge off Goddes worde, whiche we haue
lerned in this pure banishment and by goddes mercifull proui-
dence, seene in the beste reformed churches : That consider-
inge oure negligence in times paste and goddes punishemente
for the same, we maie with zeele and diligence endeauour to
recopence it, that god in all oure doinges maie be glorified, oure
consciences discharged and the members off Iesus Christ re-
leued and comforted. The whiche thinge the lorde god who
hathe mercifully visited and restored vs graunt and performe.
To whom be all honour, praise, and glory for euer and euer.

Your lovinge frinds, and in the name
of whole churche.

Christopher Goodman William Williams John Pullain
Miles Couerdale Anthony Gilby William Bevoyes

John Knox Frances Withers, William Whittingham

Iohn Bodliegh. William Fuller.

The Answere returned from Franck.
by W. Kethe.

The grace off god and the assistaunce off the holy goste

CLXXXIX.

lighten and strenghten yow to the vnderstanding and con-
stant reteining of his truthe, to the fartheraunce oft" his honor
and glorie and to the edifinge and maintenance off his
churche in Christe Iesu oure lorde.

Dearely beloued, as your letters were moste welcome vnto
vs, bothe for that ye reioice at the prefermet off our godly
qneene, and also that ye studie howe to promote the glorie off
god : So are we right sory that they came not afore the depar-
ture off suche as ye seeke a charitable reconciliatio with all.
For where as ye require that all suche offences as haue byn
gyuen and taken betwene yow and vs maie be forgotten here-
after : there be not here paste foure left, which were then pre-
sent when ye dwelt here and not one off the lerned sorte sauinge
M. Beesley. Yet, we dowte not, but as they promised in
their former letters, to forget all displeasures afore conceaued,
so they will performe the same and esteeme yow as their
brethern. And for oure partes, as we haue had no cotention with
yow at all afore time : so we purpos not (as we trust there shall
be no cause) to entre into contention with yow hereafter.
For ceremonies to cotende (where it shall lye neither in your
hands or oures to appoint what they shall be but in suche
mennes wisedomes as shall be appointed to the deuising off
the same and which e shall be receyued by comon consent off
the parliament) it shalbe to small purpos. But we truste that
bothe true religion shall be restored, and that we shall not be
burthened with vnprofitable ceremonies. And therfore, as we
purpos to submit oure selues to such orders as shall be esta-
blished by authoritie, beinge not of themselues wicked, so we
would wishe yow willingly to do the same. For where as all
the reformed churches differ amoge them selues in diuers
ceremonies, and yet agree in the vnitie of doctrine : we se no
inconuenience if we vse some ceremonies diuers from them, so
that we agree in the chief points of oure religio. notwithstand-
inge, if anie shalbe intruded, that shalbe offensiue, we, vpon
iuste conference and deliberation vpon the same at oure meet-
inge with yow in Englande (whiche we truste by gods grace

cxc.

will be shortly) wil brotherly ioine with yovv to be sewters for
the reformatio and abolishinge of the same. In the meane sea-
son, let vs with one harte and minde cal to the almightie god
that off his infinit mercie, he will finishe and establishe that
worke that he hathe begon in oure countrie, and that we maie
all louingly consent together in the earnest settinge foorthe off
his truthe, that god maie be knowen and exalted, and his
church perfectly builded vp throwgh Christe our lorde.
From Franckford this 3. offlanuarie 1559.

Your lovinge frinds in the name
off the rest off the churche.

lames Pilkington Henry Knolls

Iohn Mailings Frances Wilford

Henry Carowe Alexander nowell

Edmond Isaac Richard Beesley

Iohn Browne Iohn Graye

Christopher Brickbate.

An Answer brought from the congregation off Arrow
by W. Kethe.

The Father off mercies and God off all consolation
confirme increase and continewe vow allwaie in the loue off
his sonne Iesus Christe our lorde.

Praised be God through oure lorde Iesus Christe whiche
pulled downe marie that did persecute, and hathe set vpp
the godly lady Elizabeth Queene off Englande, to restore and
maintaine there, the pure preachinge off his word. And for
that it hathe pleased god to moue your good hartes, for the
furtherance off the same, with godly zeele and charitable de-
sier by your letters, to shewe vnto vs your aduise and purpos
and also to require oures to be returned and sent vnto yow by

CXCI.

cure brother Kethe : We doo with rnoste hartie thanks vn-
fainedly afore god certifie yow, that to your counsell and con-
ference with vs, we do consent willingly concerninge your
most godly requeste, for that we acknowledge, that the same
shall be to the aduauncement off his glorie and quietnes off
his churche. Also, we desier yow that as ofte as we maie
finde hereafter anie occasion to consulte and conferre by
worde or writinge, that then bothe yow and we so take and
seeke the same as maie be moste to our vnitie in mindes, and
diligence to do good in the lordes worke. And farthermore
for the forgettinge and puttinge awaie all occasions off offences
we do likewise consente vnto your good ensample and requeste,
And so finallye for the preachinge or professinge off sincere
doctrine so as we haue seene and lerned in the beste reformed
churches we do gladly heare your aduise to be so agreable to
oure purpos that we beseche yow to praie with vs, that yow
and all we together that be faith full maie continewe, proceade,
and prosper in godly zeele, charitable Concorde and earnest
diligence to honor and serue god and to comforte and edifie
his elect all times and in euery place and especially nowe in
England. O lord not vnto vs but vnto they name be honor
and praise for euer. From Arrowe, this 16. off Ian. 1559.

Your louinge frinds off the ministery
in the name and by the consent of the
whole church.

Thomas Leaner. Richard Langhorne.

Robart Pownall. Thomas Turpin.

Nowe when as W. Kethe was returned to Geneua with
answer from the congregations and companies, that were dis-
persed in sundry places off Germany and Heluetia, the con-
gregation (after that they had rendred their humble thankes
to the magistrates for their great goodnes towards them) pre-
pared themselues to depart sauinge certeine whiche remained

CXCII.

behinde the reste, to witt, to finishe the bible, and the psalraes
bothe in meeter and prose, vvhiche were already begon, at
the charges off suche as were off most habilitie in that
cono-reo-ation. And with what successe those workes were

o o

finished, (especially the Bible) I must leaue it to the Iudge-
mentes off the godly lerned, who shulde best Iudge off the
same.

But yff that Bible be suche, as no enemie off god coulde
iustly finde faulte with : then maie men maruell that suche a
worke, (beinge so profitable) shulde finde so small fauor, as
not to be printed againe. Yff it be not faithfully translated,
then let it still finde as litle fauour as it dothe bicause off the
inconueniences that a false translation bringes with it. The
Ministers off Geneua in an Epistle whiche they wrote, before
the newe Testament haue theis wordes.

There is nothinge more requisite to attaine the right and
absolute knowledge off the doctrine off saluation, wherby to
resist all herisie and falshod, then to haue the texte off the
Scriptures faithfully and truly translated, the consideration
wheroff moued them with one assent (as they saie in that
Epistle to requeste 2. off their brethern, to witt, Caluin and
Beza, efsonnes to peruse the same notwithstandinge their
former trauells. Beza also in his Epistle to the prince off
condy and nobles of France hathe these wordes. Seinge then
all theis controuersies muste be discussed by Goddes worde, I
suppose that this thinge ought chiefly to be prouided for, that
seinge all canot haue the knowledge to vnderstand the worde
off God in theis peculiar languages, the Hebrue and the greek
(whiche were to be wished) that there shulde be some true
and apte translation of the olde and newe testamete made the
whiche diuers haue already labored to bringe to passe, but yet
no man hathe hitherto sufficiently performed it. For the olde
translation (whose so euer it is) although it ought not to be
condemned, yet is it found e bothe obscure vnperfect and super-
fluous and also false in many places, to speake nothinge off an
infinite varietie off the copies. The whiche texte therfore

CXCIII.

many lerned and godly men haue laboured to amende, but not
with like successe. And yet howe necessary a thinge this is,
who so euer shall reade those moste lerned wryters off the
gretians, and shall compare their interpretations (whiche are
manie times fan* from the purpos) with the Hebrue veritie, he
shall confesse it with great sorovve.

And the same euill was not onely hurtefull amonge the
latten writers, but also the ignorance off the greeke tonge
wherwith many off them were troubled, whiles they did
depend off the common translation, they oftimes seeke a knott
in a rushe (accordinge to the olde prouerbe) and fell into
moste fowle errors. This cause therfore hathe moued me to
compare mcste diligently the diuersitie off copies, and to
waie the sentences and Iudgementes off the moste parte off
the lerned men specially off them that this age hathe brought
foorthe, skillfull in the languages, who are rnoo in nomber
dowteles and better lerned then the churche hath had sithens
the time of the Apostles, and so ease them some what that
desier a more pure interpretation.

And that it might be done with more profit I haue allso
added annotations, in the whiche I haue also compared together
the diuersitie off interpretations and as muche as I coulde I
haue labored to make plaine and euident the sence and mean-
inge off all the darke places, &c.

Thus farr Beza, by whose Iudgement and the rest ye se,
that to haue the holy Scriptures truly and faithfully translated
is a matter off no small importaunce. Here might I touche
a thinge parhapp worthe the hearinge yff hope were off
redresse, whiche is, that yff the lerned were but one halff so
earneste, zelous, and careful], to se that the holy Scriptures in
this Realme might be faithfully translated and trulye corrected,
as they are many tymes abowte matters nothinge so necessaiie :
I woulde not dowte to saie that they shulde do vnto god an
excellent peece off seruice.

For the moste parte off oure Englishe Bibles are so ill
translated (as the lerned report) and so falsely printed (as the

CXCIIII.

simple maie finde) that suche had nede to be verie well ac-
quainted with scripture, as in many places shulde get owte the
true meaninge and sence. And it is high time to looke vnto
this, consideringe, that in moste partes off this Realme
preachers ye haue none, nor anie that can or will preache
(verie fewe excepted) sauinge certeine wanderers, amongest
whom (and specially in some sheers) are such ruffenly rake-
helles, and c5mo couseners permitted and suffred, by whose
preachings, the worde off truthe is become odious, in the eies
off the people. Seinge then (I saie) that in moste places, the
ministery clothe stande and consiste of olde popishe preistes,
tollerated readers and many newe made ministers, whose
readinges are suche, that the people cannot be edified, espe-
cially, where one is tollerated to serue 2. or 3. churches ad
turninge their backes to the people. I leaue to the consider-
ation off suche (who haue to deale in this matter) what great
ad intolerable mischeiues maie come more and more, (by
suffringe suche corrupted Bibles in churches and ells where)
to the poore simple flock off Christe. But nowe to drawe to
an ende. ye se (brethern) by this brieff and shorte discours,
that the grudge wherupon this dissention hangethe is paste the
age off a childe, and therfore maie (withowte offence I hope)
be called an olde grudge, whiche, as it seemeth, was neuer yet
througly healed, as will more and more appeare, as this dis-
course shall be from time to time continued, till it be brought
euen to this present tyme, which time verely, is so extreame
as the like hathe rarely bin hard off. For it is come to passe,
that iff anie shulde but with a godly grief bewaile the imper-
fections that remaine and craue for redresse : yea, but sus-
pected, or shulde but by malice off an Atheist, a Papist, or
Epicure be presented : such are not onely reuiled and taunted,
skoffed at and termed by theis odious names off precisian,
puritain, contentious, seditious, rebell, traitor and what not :
but also yff he come once in presence off the Bishopps, and
subscribe not to what so euer they will, then, (yf he haue
liuinge) to be depriued, or whither he haue liuinge or not, be

cxcv.

he lerned or vnlerned, be he man or woman, halt or blinde, to
prison lie muste, withowte all redemption.

I wil not saie that (in the meane time) such as are turne
coates and can chaunge with al seasons, subscribinge to what so
euer, and can cap it can cope it an curry for aduantage, that
such, I saie, how ignorant, how vitious, and vngodly so euer
they be, Hue at their ease in all pleasure and in some place are
thought to be moste meete men for the ministerie. But this I
maie be bolde to affirme, that, (although in very dede I neither
do nor dare condemne certeine godly persons, who off infirmitie,
but yet with most sorowfull and heauy hartes (as hathe well
appeared by their most lamentable protestations with plentie
off teares to their congregations) haue yelded to more then
expedient it were they shulde, (prayinge the lorde to let them
se it in time) yet, it maie not onely be saide, but proued too I
truste, that neither is subscribinge allwaies a sure note off
good subiect nor yet the refusall dew proffes off a rebell.

The greatest Traitors and rebells that godly Kinge Edwarde
had in the weste partes, were priests, and such as had sub-
scribed to the booke or what so euer by lawe was then in
force, but for all their subscribings, there was no skirmishe,
where some off those subscribers left not their karkaises in
the filde againste god and their prince. Plumtree and his
fellowe priests off the northe, I dowte not but they were con-
formable and applyable to all orders and neuer staggered at
subscriptions. But for all that, time tried their traiterous
hartes.

But in all the sturres whiche haue happened either sithens
the Queenes maiestie came to the crowne or before I haue
not hard off so muche as one (minister or other) that hath
lifted vp his hande against hir maiestie or state, whom it
pleaseth the enuious and malicious man, to terme precision,
and puritain in great despite and contempt. In dede, this
haue I founde oute and lerned, that euen suche as muste be
cotente and patiently beare those odious names of puritane
precisian, traitor, and rebell, haue yet bin the men, who moste

CXCVI.

faithfully (in their callinge) haue serued the queens maiestie
and their country bothe with in the realme and with owte
the realme in Garnison and in filde, hazardinge their bodies
against hargabuze and cannon, when as those who nowe so
furiously charge them both owte off pulpits and other places
durst not or at leste woulde not in anie such seruice off the
prince and countrie be seene. For proffe hereoff, yff yow call
to remembrance, who hazardid his liffe with that olde, Honor-
able Erie off Bedford when as he was sent to subdue the
popishe rebells off the weste, yow shall finde that none off
the clergie were hastie to take that seruice in hande, but
onely olde father Couerdale. When moste likelode was off
daunger betweene the Skotts and vs, the preacher to the
souldiars was firste Maister Sampson, and afterward Maister
Greshopp when as the right honorable Erie off Bedford that
nowe is had there the charge. The Erie off Warwick at his
beinge in Newhauen, had in dede with him certeine Ministers
for a time, but after that the Cannon came and began to
roare, and the plage off pestilence so terriblie to rage, then
(I weene) not a Minister there left, but Maister Kethe alone.
And whe as meanes were made to haue mo Ministers ouer,
to aide the saied Kethe (who had so muche to doo, what
with preaching, and visitinge the poore sick Souldiars which
were in no small nombers) there coulde not be founde (as
that right noble Erie can vppon his honor testifie) so muche
as one whiche coulde be brought to so muche conformitie,
as to subscribe to any suche seruice off the Queens Ma-
iestie.

When S. Henry Sidney had to do with the Popishe rebells
off Ireland, Maister Christop. Goodman shewed his faith-
full diligence in that seruice. When the Erie off Warwick
was sent to subdue the popish rebells in the northpartes,
the preachers off the Queens maiesties Army were Kethe,
Temes, and standon who offred themselues in that seruice
voluntarily with owte all constraynte. And thus it is euidente,
that theis with a nomber moo who are now so ill thought off,

CXCVII.

as iff they were traitors and rebells, haue yet byn so farre off'
from beinge sedieious, that they haue at all times aduentured
their liues againste seditious persons and rebells, when as
suche as nowe so hardly charge them bothe by worde and
writinge, haue byn right hartely well content, to take their
ease and reste at home.

Consideringe then, how many waies we are vniustly bur-
thened and brought into hatred withowte iuste cause, I sup-
posed, that no godly man wolde be offended, yff by such
lawfull meanes as I might, I sought bothe to purge my selff
and the rest off my brethern, from such heinous and odious
crimes as some would seeme to charge vs. And that coulde
I not doo so well anie waie, as by the gatheringe together off
this discourse, wherin the indifferent reader shall finde, that
the religion whiche we holde and professe, is not onely the
true ad sincere rcligio of Christe, and the self same with all
the reformed churches in Christendome, but also that whiche
this Realme hathe established, touching the true doctrine
comonly taught therein. By this discours also, yt maie be
seene, bothe when, where, how, and by whom this contro-
uersie firste began, who cotinued it, who was on the suffring
side and who readieste to forget and forgeue, that godly peace
and concord might be had. Nowe, iff anie shall seeme to be
offended with this that I had don, I do moste humblie be-
seche them, to way well and expende with themselues, firste,
whither I haue geuen them anie suche cause, yff it be for that
I haue in this discours brought to light some tninge that
might haue bin keept secret, (the contention beinge amonge
brethern) to the ende the common enemie shulde not haue
cause to triumphe : let this satisfie them : firste, that the
wicked and common enemye cannot (for his harte) more
tryumphe ouer the Godly then he dothe allready and that
throughe owte this whole realme. Againe, the crueltie off
Cain to Abell, off Ismaell to Isaac, off Esau to Iacob, off the
Patriarkes to their brother Ioseph, the hot contention be-
tweene Paule and Barnabas and Paule and Peter &c. all theis

CXCV1II.

beinge knowne to the worlde, hathe turned notwithstanding to
the great glorie off God, as my assured hope is that euen this
will also in the ende.

And therfore, as the lorde off heauen knoweth that the
keepinge off theis thinges almoste by the space off theis
twentie yeres in secret, might suffice to witnes with me that
I had nowe no great pleasure to vtter it, so I wote not howe
it commethe to passe that euen in the middest off great
striuing, and struglinge with my selff what to doo, I coulde
not be by anie meanes resolued, or se iuste cause, why I shuld
any longer conceale it.

Yff anie shulde thinke that I haue not with indifferencie,
penned the storie : I referre me (to satisfie suche) to the
iudgements and consciences off those persons, who were the
plaiers off this tragedie, (off bothe partes many yet liuinge)
assuringe my selff that neither part shall be able iustlie to
charge me, excepte it be for that in verie dede I haue sought
rather howe to couer manie thinges, then to laie them wide
open to the worlde, as I nothinge dowte to proue iff I might
be but harde indifferently, in so muche as in this discours I
haue (asmuche as I coulde) passed ouer the names off all
where credit might seeme to haue bin impaired therby (sailing
onely off suche as were off verie necessitie to be noted for the
better vnderstanding off the historic

To conclude : againste the offences whiche some maie
take at theis my trauells, I haue sett the greate profit that this
maie bringe to goddes churche and to the posteritie, who
beinge taught by other mennes harmes (yff they be happie)
will lerne to beware the hope wheroff had greater force to
pushe my pen forwarde to the finishinge off this worke, then
the displeasures off certaine (arisinge so far as I se off no
grownd) coulde be to withdrawe me from the same, besechinge
almightie god so strengths me with his holie spirite, that what
troubles or trialls so euer shall by the lordes good prouidence
happen to me hereby, he will vouchsaffe to geue me a con-
tented minde quietly and with patience to beare it, before

CXCIX.

whom I proteste, that in wrytinge this discourse I haue had
respecte to his glorie, the defence off his sacred truthe, the
cleeringe, so farr as I might, off so many excellent lerned men
(on whose neckes this sturre is laied as authors off the same)
and not that I haue willingly sought the hurte, hinderance, or
discredit off anie man.

And this I praie, that your loue maie abounde yet more and Phi.
more in knowledge and in all Iudgement, that ye maye discerne
thinges that differ one from another, that ye maie be pure and
withowte offence vntill the daie off Christe

Keepe the true paterne off the wholsome wordes whiche 2. Tim. 2.
thow haste harde of me in faithe and loue whiche is in Christe
Iesu.

Study to shewe thy selff approued vnto god a workman 2. Tim. 1.
it ne
aright.

that nedethe not to be ashamed deuidinge the worde off truthe

The answere off the ministers off Geneua to certeine

brethern off the churche off Englande concerninge

some controuersie in the Ecclesiasticall

policie.

Beinge right earnestly and often required by certeine deare
brethern off the churche off Englande that we woulde in
their miserable state geue them some kinde off counsaile
whereon theire consciences might be staied, the Iudgemente off
many beinge therin diuers : we did longe differre the satisfinge
off their requestes vppon waightie causes. And we assure the
reader that eue nowe also we moste gladly woulde houlde oure

cc.

peace, were it not a matter of conscience to reiecte the sute
of the brethern so often enforced and with moste greuous
groninges reneued. Off whiche stifned silence off ours theis
were the causes, firste, as on the one part we dowte not off
the credit off the brethern, as thoughe they had not sincerely
described the state off the cause vnto vs, so on the other side
it is moste harde for to suspecte suche thinges, so clene be-
sides all office off Bishopps muche lesse perswade oure selues
the same by suche personages done.

And farther, what men are we that we shulde determine
vppon suche causes. Also, iff it were lawfull for vs either by
authoritie, or els by consent or requeste of either parties, to
geue sentence here vppon, yet were yt a mater moste wronge-
full either partie not harde or not present to determine. Laste
off all feare mistrusted leaste so great a mischieff shuld by this
oure counsell (howe simple so euer it is) rather become rawe the
skined : it beinge a sore of so desperate a nature, as that it semeth
to be, that praiers and patience can onely salue the same.

Seinge then, that by the sundrie requests off the brethern,
we are so hardly perswaded, that off force we ought to
geue them some kinde off aduise : We do openly proteste, that
we so geue the same herein as those that will not in anie wise
preiudice the other partie, muche lesse chalinge to vs a ius-
ticiers roume ouer anie. And all those men (into whose
handes theis do come) we do in the lorde desier, that they be
not herewith offended, but do perswade themselues that theis
contentes are bothe simplie and faithfully written off vs as
vppon a questioned cause graunted, that the consciences off
the brethern whiche desier it, might some waie be better
apeased, whiche to set altogether at nought were a dede wholie
voide off charitie.

Therfore, the cause standinge as we are informed, we pro-
fesse plainely and in Good faithe that our Iudgementes ouer
theis questions are thus.

It is demaunded, whither we can approue this disorder in
callinge off men to the function off the Ministery, whiche is,

CCI.

that the multitude off those whiche sue for order shalbe en-
rolled in the ministerie bothe withowte the voices off elders
and also no certeine cure appointed them but lightly examined
off their liues and behauiour, to whom also, at the luste of
the Bishoppe shall libertie be geuen afterwards to preache the
worde off god for a time prescribed, otherwise to reherse onely
the churche seruice.

We answere, that suche callinges off Ministers, whither
we answere them by the rule off Gods expresse worde or
ells by force off Cannons that are beste tried and allowed
are holden and estemed of vs, altogether vnlawfull, abeit we
knowe that it is better to haue halfe a loffe then no bread.
But we beseche god with oure whole hartes that it also will
please him to bestowe vppon the kingdome off England also
the same (that is) a lawfull and ordinarie callinge off men to
the ministerie of the worde and Sacramentes. For it beinge
either kept owte or hindred, the benefit of the doctrine of
truthe muste of force by and by vanishe awaie or ells be holde
vp by some meanes that is strange, yea, altogether ghostlie
and supernaturall.

Furthermore, we do in Goddes moste holie name most
humblie sue to the princes soueraigne maiestie, that with the
whole force off her minde, she endeuour the correction off
this point wherin the whole grounde and staie of the churche
off England and therfore of the Realme also, dothe stand and
persiste.

And thirdly we do with teares beseche bothe those high
personages that are of hir maiesties honorable counsaile, and
those which haue succeded in the place off the popishe Bi-
shopps, (vndowtedly through the speciall mercie off the high
and Good god) that they owte off the selff same place where
ouerthrowe and distruction did yssue, they shulde vtterly de-
stroye that tyranye whiche hathe thus caste downe headlonge
the verie Christian church and we craue of them in the dredfull
name of god before whose redouted throne of iudgement we
all shall be arested that with al consideration and mindfullness

ecu.

of the yeres paste and conscience of their dewtie and charge,
they will not slack to vovve and betrothe their whole diligece,
aswell in orderinge the meanes that maie accoplishe this
thinge as in perswadinge the Queens maiestie therto, and that
they cease not at all this thinge beinge vnacheued, cheflie,
seinge god hathe bestowed vppon them, the princely maiestie
off so singuler a Mistris as from whose handes they can
not but hope for all princely and excellent thinges, vnlesse
they liste in their owne case to faile themselues. But some wil
aske, howe shall we doo in this pointe, vntill then : verely iff
the case were oures we woulde not receiue this ministerie
vppon theis conditions iff it were profered : a great deale lesse
woulde we sue for it. Notwithstandinge, we exhorte theis
men to whom god hathe by this waie made entrance to the
enlarging off the glorie off his kingdome that in the feare off
god they do couragiously abide therin, yet with the condition
that it maie be lawfull for them holily and religiously to
exercise all their whole ministerie. And theifore maie also
propounde, and vrge those thinges in their cures which doo
allwaies apperteine to the aduauncement off the better estate
therin. For otherwise, if they be forced of this libertie and so
willed to winke at manifeste abuses, that they shuld also ap-
proue theis thinges whiche dowtlesse ought to be redressed :
what thinge els can we perswade them then that they shulde
retire from this, to their priuate lyffe rather then withoute
conscience to norishe that mischief whiche dothe off force
drawe whith it the whole wastinge and decaie of all the con-
gregation ? Yet we hope that the Queens highnesse and so
many honorable and good men will in suche sorte plante their
diligence that rather priuiledge off libertie maie be graunted
to the consciences of so manie godlie and lerned brethern
then that theis horrible eueils shulde folowe. To wete, that
the pastors off the flockes shulde be constrained either againste
the soundnes off their consciences to do that whiche is euell
(and so to be chained in other mennes sinnes, or ells to resigne
their ministerie, for that third necessitie that will ensue this

CCIII.

whiche is, that againste the princes and Bishops willes they
should excercise their office) we do so muche the more tremble
at, bycause of those reasons whiche off themselues are plaine
enoughe, albeit we doo not vtter them.

It is also desired off vs to answere plainely and truly
whither we do allowe the distinction ordeined in the wearinge
off copes and garments aswell for the common vse, as for the
ministerie.

We therfore do flattlie answere the cause standinge as
we do vnderstande, that those men ihat are authors hereoff
do deserue moste euell off the churche and shall answere at
the dreadfull barre off Christe his Iudgement. For although
that we thinke that that politique order whereby not citezins
alone, but also the degrees off functions are marked and
noted is not to be discommended wholie at all: yet we are off
opinion that not euerie marke and note is straight way to be
vsed. For put the case that the ministers were commaunded
to weare the pied coate off a foole or the garmente off a vice
in a plaie, were it not manifeste skorninge off the ministerie
so to do? And those that vse theis other garments and
aparrell comaunded, do seeme verely to vs to trespasse some-
what worse then so, bicause that the lorde hath not onely
reared and set vs this priestlike apparell as a toie to be laughe
at euen off many off the Papistes themselues : But it is also
certeine, that the same is poluted and denied with infinite
superstition. But some men will pleade the antiquitie theroff.
Surely they are olde, and yet the Apostolique symplicitie
wherein the churche did florishe, is a great deale more aun-
cient then this. Also, yff it please him to wade yet further to
serche abovvte theis matters, it shall be easie enough to shewe
that theis thinges, whiche after that, did serue for the note and
marke off the ministerie were first vsuall amonge the people
and common. And therfore whence commethe it, thinges
beinge altered after so longe a season, that this forein and
strange guise shuld be reteined.

Dothe it not come off a zeele bothe euell and vnprofitable ?
k 2

CCIIII.

But some man will saie : Theis thinges for all that are thinges
off the middle sorte and indifferent. We graunte in dede that
they are such yff your will consider them simply and in their
owne nature, and aparte from all circumstances : but who are
they that will so waie and consider them ? For theis men that
are yet Papistes, what purpos so euer this ciuill lawe dothe
pretend, are surely by theis meanes established deeper in this
superstition whiche hathe so ouergrowen them. And these
men that began so earnestlie to abhorre superstition, that they
nowe did deteste monimetes and reliques theroff: Howe muche
are they offended and wouded herein. As for those whiche
are further, and better lerned, what frute reape they theroff.
And farther is this difference and marke off the functions of
suche importaunce, that therfore the consciences off so many
shuld be troubled : especially seinge the reason and purpos
therof newlie set a broche is but drawen euen from those that
are themselues the manifeste sworne enemies to sounde doc-
trine ? What meaneth it also, that offthose also that are termed
to be Ecclesiastically brought vpp and are in the ministerie not
the smalleste parte, are saide to haue their papistrie in their
brestes abowte with them ? Is this the good houre wherin they
shall better profit by restoringe off this attire ? or shall they
not rather vaunte their crestes as in hope to haue poperie re-
stored againe ? Iff anie shall obiecte the circums[is]inge off Ti-
mothy and other like examples : we right earnestly praie him
to consider what Paule woulde haue saide yff any man shulde
haue made this lawe, that euery man that is in the ministerie
off the gospell shalbe constrained to weare the garmentes off
the Pharisies, or that they in the apparell off prophane priestes
shulde preach the gospell and administer the Sacramentes,
and not onely circumcise their children, notwithstandinge that
vnder some couler of reason, this ciuill comaundement might
setfoorthe the same, yea to what ende are theis things brought
in. for howe so euer they might at the first be tollerated till
that by litle ad litle they might be take awaie, yet beinge once
remoued owte off the churches, we se not withe what com-

ccv.

moditie they can be restored to their possession againe. Ther-
fore we do eftsonnes repeate that we before said, that we can
not allowe this deuise nor yet hope for any good to insue therofl".
Notwitlistandinge, we will gladlie geue ouer this opinion yfl'
we shall lerne better reason therfore. What then (will the
brethern saie on whom theis thinges are so throwen) iudge
yow what we ought to do herein ? we answere, that there
nedethe in this answere a distinction. For the case off the mi-
nisters and the case of the people are not all one herein. Fur-
thermore : Manie thinges maie, yea, and ought to be borne
and tollerated whiche are notwithstandinge not iustly com-
maunded. firste therfore, we answere, that albeit theis thinges
(as we iudge) are not rightly restored to their possessio in the
congregations, yet, seinge that they are not off those kinde of
thinges whiche are of their owne nature impious and vngodly,
they seeme to vs not to be off suche waight that the shepardes
shulde rather geue ouer their functions then receiue the
apparell, or that the flock shuld refuse the publick foode of
the soule rather then to receiue the same from the shepardes,
that is appareled herein : onely, that as well the sheaphardes
as their flockes maie not sinne againste there consciences (so
that the puritie off doctrine it selff remaine vntouched) we do
perswade the ministers, after they haue bothe before the queens
highnesse and also before the Bishopps. set their consciences
at libertie by modeste protestation (as dothe apperteine to
suche Christians as seeke not sedition and tumulte) and yet
graue accordinge to the importaunce of the cause, that they do
in dede openly in their parishe, still beare vpon those thinges,
that maye seme to the vtter takinge awaie off the stumblinge
blocke. And that as God shall geue occasion they will wholie
geue them selues bothe wiselie and meekely to correct all
those, abuses, but yet to beare those thinges whiche they cannot
streight waie change, rather then forsakinge their congregation
they shulde geue occasion to Sathan, that sekethe nothinge
els to stirre vpp greater and more perilous mischiefs then theis.
As for the people (the doctrine remaining vnhurte) we do

k 3

CCVI.

exhorte them that for all theis thinges they will diligently
heare the same, to vse the Sacramentes Religiously, and so
longe to grone to God with earnest amendment off liffe vntill
they obtaine off them that which dothe appertaine to the full
redresse and amendment off the churche.

But againe yff that the Ministers be commaunded not onelie
to tollerate theis thinges, but also that they shall withe their
subscriptions allowe them as lawfull, or ells by their stillnes
foster them : what can we ells perswade them to doo but that
hauing witnessed their innocencie and in the feare off the lorde
tried all meanes, they shulde geue ouer their functions to open
wronge. But oure hartes betide vs off Englande muche
better thinges then theis extremities.

Yt is demaunded off vs what we do Iudge off the trollinge
and descantinge off the Psalmes, crossinge off those babes
that shal be baptized, and off the demaundes in baptisme, also
off the rownd vnleauened waffercake and knelinge in the
lordes supper.

We answere, that kinde off singinge semethe to be the
corruption off the pure ancient churche seruice and glorifinge
of God therin. And as for crossinge off babes, whatsoeuer
practise there hathe byn theroff in time ofolde, yet is it moste
certeine that it is truly in theis dais throughe so late greenesse
off the superstition so moste abhominable, as that we iudge
those men to haue done assuredly well that haue once driuen
this rite owte off the con^re^atio wherof also we se not what
the profit is. And we dowte not but the demauds in baptisme
haue creapt into the churche vpon this occasion, because that
through the negligece of the bishops the same forme of bap-
tizinge of childre was reteined which at the first rearing of the
primatiue churche, was to be vsed at the baptizinge off those
that beinge off yeres did entre the profession off Christe. This
thinge also we maie perceiue by manie the like yet in vse in the
popishe baptisme. Wherfore euen as the creame and charme
vsed in baptisme are by gods lawe abolished although they
were ancient, so wishe we also theis demaundinges, beinge

CCVII.

not onely vaine but folishe shuld be also passed ouer albeit
that S. Augustine himselfF clothe seeme in an Epistle off his
to sustein it by certeine deuised construction.

The bread whither it ought to be made with leuen or with-
owte we thinke it not greatly to be striuen for, althoughe we
Iudge it more fit and consonant withe Christes institution to
haue the bread at the communion, whiche is vsed at the com-
mon table: for why did the lorde vse vnleuened bread, bicause
that in that houre wherin he thought good to institute his
holie supper, not one man in all Iewrie vsed anie other.
Therfore, it behoueth vs to restore the Iewishe feaste off vn-
leuened bread or ells must it be graunted that is better to vse
the common and accustomed bread off all tables accordino-e to

c

the example off Christe, notwithstandinge that the bread that
he then tooke was vnleuened : For off the practise off the
primatiue churche whiche the Greek churche dothe yet in
this behalff reteine we ouer passe to write off.

Furthermore knelinge at the verie receypt off the sacra-
mente hathe in it a shewe off Godly and Christian reuerence
and might therfore in times paste be vsed with profit, yet for
all that bicause owte off this fountaine the detestable vse off
bread worship did folowe, and dothe yet in theis daies stick
in many mindes, it semethe to vs that it was iustlie abolished
owte fro the congregations. Therfore, we do beseche the
most Good and great God that it woulde please him to in-
structe bothe the Queens maiesties highnesse and also the
Bishopps with such deuise as shall be moste nedefull for the
perfect doinge owte off theis filthes, and that at once. In the
meane time, bicause theis thinges, also are not suche as are in
their owne nature Idolatrous we do Iudge that they ought s<;
to be dealte with, as we haue aduised in the thinges goinge
next before.

It is demaunded off vs whether we allowe that baptisme
whiche is administred by midwiues.

We answere that not onely we dissalowe the baptisme -
the rest off thinges before spoken off, but that we do iudge

k 4

CCVIII.

it also intolerable. For it is a thinge that hathe risen aswell
of ignorance of the verie vse of baptism : as the publique mi-
nisterie of the churche. We Iudge therfore that the ministers
are bovvnde sharply to rebuke this abuse, muche lesse ought
they to holde this false baptisme, for good and firme. The
reason why, the lerned on oure side haue often declared. And
we are also readie when it shalbe nedefull to declare.

It is also reported vnto vs that the kaies off bindinge
and losinge are practised in certeine courtes off the Bishops,
neither by the sentences and iudgements off elders, whiche
office that churche hathe not yet receiued, nor accordinge to
the worde off God : but the authoritie off certeine lawiers
and other like, whiche is more, often times by the authoritie
off some one man, and that also for suche kinde off actions as
are pure monie matters euen as the misuse off the same was
in popery.

Wherto we answere that it semethe to vs almoste incre-
dible that any such customes and examples (beinge most per-
uerse) shulde be vsed in that kingdome, where as puritie and
soundnes off doctrine is. For the right off excommunication
and byndinge off the offender shalbe founde neuer to haue bin
before the time of the Papistes in the power and hand off one
sole persone, but did apperteine to all the whole eldershipp,
fro whiche also the people themselues were not rashlie shut
owte. Bicause this also the lawierlike hearinge off suites that
appertaine to liuinges did fall to the Bishops charge alto-
gether through abuse. For that place wherin the Apostle
talketh off daiesmen vmpires at Corinth is to no purpose
where as the magistrate is a Christian : nor did the x\postell
euer thinke to burthen the Eldershipp with the hearing off
suche meere ciuill causes. And it is most certeine, that
the Bishopps off the elder age off the churche, haue had the
determining off such controuersies not for anie authoritie
that they had therin but through the importunitie off suters,
and that as howsolders vmpires and daies men. Also, not-
withstandinge amonge those men where this were shewed

CCIX.

vnto, those did most wisely gouerne themselues whiche chose
rather to folowe the example off Christ oure Sauiour, who
refused to be the vmpire in deuidinge off the patrimonie, or
els Iudge in the matter off adulterie, when bothe the same
were preferred vnto him.

Therfore, yffin Englande anie thinge be done contrary to
this, surely we ought to thinke that by suche sentences and
Iudgementes, ther is not anie man before god any more bownde
then by the popishe excommunications. And we wische that
this torment howse off consciences and lothsome prophanation
off the Ecclesiasticall and meere spirituall Jurisdiction might
by the authoritie off the Queens Maiestie owte off hande be
abolished no otherwise then the marringe off the very doc-
trine it selff. And that Eldershippe and Deacons maie be
restored and set vpp according to the worde off God and
cannons off the pure churche, whiche thinge, yff it be not
done, verelie, we are sore afraide that this onely thinge will be
the begiiiinge off manie calamities, whiche we would god,
would turne awaie from vs. For it is moste certeine that the
sonne off god will one daie from heauen roughly reuenge theis
manifest abuses, wherwith the consciences off oure brethern
are troubled, excepte spedely, redresse be had therin.

In the meane whiles, the thinges whiche are not well
done by the one partie, maie be well enoughe tollerated (as we
thinke) by those men whiche beare the thinge whiche they can
not change. Yet thus farre : as that they allowe not the thinge
it selff for good, but do onely redeeme their vniuste disquiet-
ing by patience. But yff so be that they shalbe forced, not
onely to tollerate this facion but also to approue this excom-
munication as lawfull and be constrained to aske vnlawfull
absolution to assent to this manifest abuse, we then exhorte
them that they will rather suffer anie kinde off trouble
then to do herin against their consciences. But to what
ende is all this : For vcrilie, we do promes oure selues
muche better thinges then theis, yea, off all thinges the beste
euen at this pinche, especially off that Realme in whiche, the

ccx.

restoringe off Christian Religion hathe byn sealed and eon-
firmed with the bloud of so many excellent martirs also.
Onely, we feare this, leaste that which hathe befallen so many
countries shuld happen toEnglande, to wit, lea ste,bycausethe
due frutes off repentance are not brought foorthe, -the angrie
god shuld dooble oure darknesse, the light of his gospel beinge
first taken from vs. Off this content are oure dailie preach-
ings in oure congregations, and verely, we thinke the same
ought to be done off all Ministers off Gods worde especially in
theis oure daies. That they chiefly set forwardes this prin-
ciple off the gospell whiche dothe apperteine to earnest amend-
ment off lyffe. For this point achiued, vndowtedly the lorde
shall geue bothe counsaile and zeale and all thinges els whiche
do necessarely apperteine to the accomplishement off the re-
paration off the churche, already begone. And before all we
doo require and with teares humbly craue that oure good and
right worshipfull in the lorde the brethern off the Englishe
churches, all bitternes off minde set aparte, whiche we surely
feare, after what sorte it hathe on either side forced this euell,
would patiently beare and suffer eche other, so longe as puritie
off Christian doctrine it selff and soundnes off conscience dothe
remaine : Willingly to obaye the Queens Maiestie who is
full off compassion : And all other prelates. And fynally, that
with all concorde minds in the lorde, of they manly set against
Satha, who sekethe all occasion of tumulte ad infinite calami-
ties : yea, although they haue not like judgement of all sorte off
prealaets at the firste. for this oure writinge, god is oure wit-
nesse, doth not tede to this purpos, that either parte shuld vse
it against other as that we shuld send it to yow as an apple of
contention : Although we haue concerninge theis matters de-
clared oure Iudgements, euen symplie, as vppon a supposed
case, (god is oure witnes) beinge euercome withe the con-
tinuall sute off oure brethern. And we ioine oure dailie praiers
to the groninges off all the godlye on that side the seas, that
it maie please the moste mercifull god hauinge compassion on
mannes frailtie, to directe the Queens highenes, and all the

CCXI.

nobles off the realme off Englande. Also euery prelate, and
fynally, eche workman off this spiritual] buildinge with his
holy spirite moste effectuously, so as the worke off the lorde
so often begonne and so often staied may luckely be set for-
warde to the great quietnes and Concorde off all men not
onely the old staines in the doctrine it self and Ecclesiasticall
discipline also, beinge at lenght vtterly done owte, but also all
monstrousnes off errors and whiche Satan newlie sekethe to
bring into the churche againe driuen awaie. Whiche vouche-
saffe to bring to passe through his holy spirite, the moste kinde
father in Iesus Christe, his verie sonne eternall and consub-
stantiall with him, in whiche persones, we professe one god,
and not diuers, ought to be worshipped for euer. Amen at
Geneua the 24. October. 1547.

Your brethern in Christe to
all your godlines moste
assured.

Theodoras Beza, $c. lo. Parnilius.

Remundus Caluetus Kuds Fauerius

Nicola us Coladonus Vrb. Caluetus

lo. Gaiagnazius Sim. Golerlius

lo. Tremlerus Pet. Carpenterus.

Iohan Pinaldus. Fransc. Port us

Ge. Fauercjius Cor. Barlierdus

Car. P. Hen. S.

Egid. Causeus : Jbden. Dupleus

CCXII.

A Copie off the letter sent to the Bishopps and Pastors

off Englande, who haith renunced the Romaine

Antechriste and professe the lorde

Iesus in sinceritie.

The Superintendent Ministers, and commissionars off charges
within the Realme off Skotland : To thair brethern the
Bishopps and Pastors off England, who haith renunced the
Romaine Antechriste, and do professe with theim the lord
Iesus in sinceritie, desire the parpetuall encrease off the
holie spirite.

By worde and writ it is come to our knowledge (reuerend
Pastors that diners off our deerest brethern) amongst whom
are some off the beste lerned within that Realme, are
depriuit from Ecclesiasticall function and forbidden to preach,
and so by yow that they are staiet to promote the kingdome
off Iesus Christe, bicaus their consciences will not suffer
to take vppon them (at the commaundement off the authoritie)
such garmentes as Idolatres in time off blindes haue vset in
thair Idolatrie, whiche brute cannot be but moste dolorous
to our hartes, mindfull off that sentence off the Apostel,
sainge, yff ye byt and deuoure one an other, take head leaste ye
be consumit one off an other. We purpose not at this present
to entre into the grownd off that question whilke we heare off,
aither parte to be agitate with greiter vehemencie then well
liketh vs : to wit. Whidder that such apparell is to be
coumpted amongs thinges that are simplie indifferint or not,
but in the bowells off lord Iesus we craue the Christian charitie
maie so preuaile in yow, in yow we saie, the pastoris and
leaders off the flock within that Realme.

That ye doo not to others that, which you woulde not

CCXIII.

others shulde doo to yow. Ye cannot be ignorant how tender
a thinge the conscience off man is. All that haue knowledge
are not a like perswadet. your consciences reclames not at
we*aringe off such garmentes, but many thousants both godlie
and lernet are otherwise perswadet whose consciences are
continually stricken with theis sentences : what haith Christe
Iesus to doe with beliall? what feloshipp is thair betwixt
darkness and licht ? yff surplese, corner capp, and tippet haue
byn badges off ydolatres in the verie acte off their ydolatrie,
what haue the preachers off Christian libertie and the open
rebuker off all superstition to doe with the dregges off the
romishe beast ? Our brothern that off conscience refusse that
vnprofitable apparel], doo neither damne your nor molest
yow that vse such vaine tryfles. yf ye shall do the like to thaim,
we dowte not but thairin ye sail pleese god and comforte
the hartes of many whilke are wonded with extremitie, which
is vsed against those godly and our beloued brethern. Coloure
off rethorik or manlie perswasion will we vse none, but
charitablie we desire yow to call that sentence off pitie to
minde : feed the flock off God which is committed to your
charge caringe for them not by constranit but willingly not as
though ye were lordes ouer goddis heritage, but that ye
maie be examples to ye flock. And farder also, we desier yow
to meditate that sentence off the Apostle, saing : geue none
offence, neither to the Iewes nor to the Grecians nor to the
churche oft" God ? In what condition off time ye and we bothe
trauiell in the promoting off Christs kingdomm we suppose
yow not to be ignorant. And therfore, we are more bolde to
exhorte yow to walke more circumspectlie, then that for such
vanities, the godly shulde be troubled. For all thi'nges that
maie seeme lawful, edifie not. Yff the commaundement off
authoritie vrge the conscience off yours and our brethern
more then they can beere : we vnfenedlye craue off yow, that
ye remember that ye are callit the licht off the worlde and the
earthe.

All ciuill authoritie hath not the licht off God allwaies

CCXIIII.

schininge before their eies in the statutes and commandements,
but thair affections of times sauour to muche off the earthe
and off wordly wisedome.

And therfore, we think that ye shuld baldlie oppone your
selff to all pouer that will or dare extoll the selff not onely
against God, but also against all suche as do burthen the
consciences off the faithfull farder then god lies burthenit
theim, by his owne worde. But herein, we confesse oure
offence in that we haue entred farder in reasoninge then we
purposet, an promiset at the beginninge. And therfore, we
shortly returne to our former humble supplication, which is,
that our brethern who amongs yow refuse the Romishe ragges,
maie finde off yow the prelatis such fauours as our heid
and maister commandis euery one off his members to shewe
one to an other, whilke we lucke to resaue of your gentlenes,
not onely for that ye feer to offend Goddes maiestie, in
troubling off your brethern for such vane triffles. But also,
bicause ye will not refuse the humble requestes off vs your
brethern and felowe preachers off Christe Iesus, in whom,
albeit their appeere no great worldly pompe, yet we suppose
yow will not so fair despise vs, but that ye will esteeme vs to
be off the nomber off those that fight against that Romain
i\ntechriste, and traueil that the kingdomme off Christ Iesus
vniuersally maie be mainteened and aduanced. The daies are
euill. Iniquitie abownds. Christian charitie (alas) is waxin
colde, And therfore we ought the more diligently to watche.
For the howre is vncerteine when the lorde Iesus shall appeere,
before whom we your brethern and ye may geue an accoumpt
off our administration.

And thus in conclusion, we once againe craue fauor to our
brothern which graunted, ye in the lorde shall commaunde vs
in thinges off dooble more importance. The lorde Iesus
rewle your hartes in his true feare to the ende. And geue vnto
yow and vnto vs victorie ouer that coniured enemie off all
true Religion To witt, ouer that Romaine Antechriste, whose
wonded heid Sathan by all mannes laboris to cure againe,

ccxv.

but to destruction shall he and his mainteiners go, by the
power off the lorde Iesus. To whose mightie power and pro-
tection we hartely com mitt yow.

Subscribet by the handes off Superintendentes one parte off
Mimsters, and scribet in oure generall assemblies and fourth
session theroff. Ad Edenbroug the 28. daie off December
15GG.

Your louinge brethern and fellow
preachers in Christ Iesus.

Io. Craig. I0. Row

laco. Mailuil. Dd. Lyndesay

Rob. Pont. Io. Ershin.

Guil. Gislisonus Io. Wiram.

Nic. Spittall. Io. Spottiswood.

Thus haue you hard in theis. 2. letters, the Iudgementes
off those excellent churches of the french and the Skottishe
touchinge the thinges in controuersie. Nowe, yff to theis I
shuld adde all other whiche are off the same Iudgement and
of their opinion : the nomber off churches would be so many,
that the aduersaries shuld euidently se and perceaue what
small cause they haue to charge vs thus with singularitie, as
though we were post alone, and none to be off oure opinion.
And it maie here also be noted, that the moste auncientest
fathers of this oure owne countrie, as maister Couerdale,
maister D. Turner, maister Whithead, and many others some
dead some yet liuinge (from whose mouthes and pennes, the
vrgers of theis receiued first the light off the gospell) could
neuer be brought to yelde or consent vnto such
thinges as are now forced with so
greate extremitie.

finis.

•